10 Best Vacuums For Stairs 2025 in the United States

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is designed to handle pet hair and everyday messes efficiently, making it a solid choice for cleaning stairs. Weighing about 6.9 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, which helps when carrying it up and down stairs. Its cordless design adds to portability, so you won’t be limited by cord length, which is a common challenge for stair cleaning. The vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of runtime, enough to cover most staircases in a single charge, though fully recharging takes a bit longer at around four hours.

Suction power is strong for a cordless stick vacuum, thanks to Shark’s Hypervelocity technology; it handles both carpets and hard floors well. The removable handheld vacuum is especially handy for above-floor or tight stair corners, while the included crevice tool helps reach narrow spots. LED headlights are a nice touch, illuminating hidden dirt in low-light stair areas. The extra-large dust cup means fewer interruptions to empty it, which is convenient for stair cleaning tasks.

The vacuum’s noise level is somewhat loud at 80 dB, which could be a concern if you have sleeping family members nearby. Also, while the low-profile design helps get under furniture, the length and shape might require some effort on steep or very narrow stairs. This vacuum effectively balances power, portability, and ease of use, making it a practical pick if you frequently need to clean stairs with pet hair or mixed floor types.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum is a versatile and powerful option for vacuuming stairs. Weighing just 6.6 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry, which is essential for stair cleaning. Its cordless design adds to its portability, allowing for hassle-free movement without worrying about cord length. The vacuum offers up to 60 minutes of run time, which should be sufficient for most cleaning tasks, including stairs, though this can vary based on the power mode used. The vacuum features three power modes—Auto, Eco, and Boost—allowing you to adjust suction power as needed. Boost mode is particularly useful for intensive spot cleaning, which might be necessary on high-traffic staircases.

Additionally, the LCD screen provides helpful information such as power modes, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time, adding to its ease of use. One of the standout features is that it converts to a handheld vacuum, making it particularly well-suited for stairs, as well as cars and upholstery. It comes with several accessories, including a Hair Screw Tool specifically designed to tackle long hair and pet hair, which can be challenging to remove from stairs. The advanced whole-machine filtration system traps 99.99% of particles, ensuring cleaner air is expelled.

However, its 0.2-gallon capacity might require frequent emptying, especially in larger homes. The Dyson V11 Origin is on the pricier side but comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime support, which can provide peace of mind. The vacuum’s noise level of 70 dB may be a bit loud for some users. In summary, the Dyson V11 Origin excels in portability, suction power, and versatility, making it a strong candidate for stair cleaning, though its higher price and smaller dustbin capacity are points to consider.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable vacuum for cleaning stairs and various surfaces. One of its standout features is the lift-away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod, making it easy to clean staircases and hard-to-reach areas. Its lightweight design (12.5 pounds) enhances portability, so you can carry it around your home without much strain.

Suction power is another strong point, effectively deep cleaning carpets and picking up pet hair thanks to the included specialized tools. The vacuum also features anti-allergen technology with a HEPA filter, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped, which is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers. The brushroll shutoff feature allows you to transition from carpet to bare floor cleaning seamlessly, while swivel steering helps you maneuver around furniture and tight spaces with ease.

While the Shark NV352 has many advantages, it does have a few drawbacks. Being corded means that you'll have to manage the power cord, which may limit your movement compared to cordless options. The cord length may also be a consideration if you have a large space to clean, as it could require frequent unplugging and replugging. Additionally, while it comes with useful attachments, some users may find that the noise level (80 dB) can be a bit on the louder side during operation.