10 Best Vacuums For Stairs 2025 in the United States

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.

The Tineco Floor ONE S7 Stretch Ultra is a cordless wet and dry vacuum cleaner that suits stair cleaning well due to its portability and smart design. It weighs about 9.9 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side for carrying up and down stairs but still manageable thanks to its stick form and 180° lay-flat design that helps reach under furniture and tight spots. The vacuum has a strong suction power of 21kPa, effective for picking up dirt and debris from different floor types including hardwood, carpet, and tile, which is great for stairs with varied surfaces. With a 50-minute battery life, it allows for relatively long cleaning sessions without frequent recharging, a plus when you want to finish multiple areas. It comes with useful attachments and a dual-layer anti-tangle system that prevents hair from clogging the brush, reducing maintenance time.

The self-cleaning feature using heated water and air helps keep the vacuum fresh and ready to use, which is convenient for ongoing stair cleaning. However, the vacuum requires assembly and runs at a moderate noise level (78 dB), which might be noticeable in quiet homes. It doesn’t have adjustable power levels, which could limit control over suction strength in delicate areas. This vacuum is a solid choice for someone looking for a versatile, cordless device that handles wet and dry messes on stairs, but be prepared for a slightly heavier device and some noise during use.

The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard is a cordless stick vacuum designed with pet owners in mind, especially those needing to tackle stairs and upholstery. Weighing 7.3 pounds, it’s light enough to carry up and down stairs without much effort, offering good portability. Its 280W motor provides strong suction, which combined with the FurGuard self-cleaning brush roll and FurFinder headlights, helps remove embedded pet hair and fine debris effectively—even in tricky spots like stairs and car interiors.

The cordless design and removable battery deliver up to 50 minutes of runtime, giving plenty of cleaning time without the hassle of cords, which is great for stair cleaning where outlets might be scarce. Attachments like the upholstery tool and a crevice tool add versatility for corners and tight spaces common on stairs. It also stands on its own for convenient charging and break times, which adds to ease of use. A HEPA sealed system helps trap dust and allergens, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.

The dustbin is somewhat small at 0.3 liters, so frequent emptying might be needed during larger cleaning jobs. While 7.3 pounds is fairly light, it’s not the lightest available if you prioritize ultra-lightweight for frequent stair use. The lack of a cord means you don’t have to worry about length, but you’ll want to keep the battery charged to avoid interruptions. This vacuum balances powerful pet hair cleaning with practical cordless convenience, making it well suited for stairs, especially for pet owners who want effective hair removal and easy handling.