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10 Best Vacuums For Stairs 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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
9.9
Chosen by1,185
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments

Most important from
133272 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, effortlessly picking up dirt and pet hair.
Attachments
The attachments, especially the upholstery tool, work exceptionally well on stairs.
Cord Length
Despite being corded, the vacuum's power and performance outshine many cordless models.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,185
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments

Most important from
133272 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
Suction Power
The suction on this vacuum is amazing, effortlessly picking up dirt and pet hair.
Attachments
The attachments, especially the upholstery tool, work exceptionally well on stairs.
Cord Length
Despite being corded, the vacuum's power and performance outshine many cordless models.
#2

Bissell Cleanview XR Pet 300W Cordless Vacuum with Removable Battery, 3797V

Rating
9.8
Weight
Portability
Suction Power

Most important from
109815 reviews

Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Portability
Absolutely perfect for RV living, fitting into all the weird tiny corners and handling low pile rugs with ease.
Suction Power
Powerful suction for such a lightweight vacuum, making it a steal at its price point.
Attachments
The detachable features are highly appreciated, adding to its versatility and ease of use.

The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet 300W Cordless Vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making it a solid choice for cleaning stairs, especially in homes with pets. Weighing only 5.9 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to carry up and down stairs, which enhances its portability. The vacuum boasts a powerful motor that is 60% stronger than the Shark IX141, ensuring excellent suction power for deep cleaning.

It includes a range of attachments like the Deep Cleaning Fur Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, all of which are useful for tackling pet hair on stairs and other tight spaces. Additionally, its cordless design and removable 24V lithium-ion battery offer up to 40 minutes of runtime, providing flexibility and convenience without the hassle of cords. The three cleaning modes allow for adaptable cleaning across different surfaces.

While the vacuum's capacity is on the smaller side at 0.3 liters, which means it may require frequent emptying, it is easy to use and comes with a wall mount for convenient storage. Battery life is average, and users should be mindful of needing to recharge after longer cleaning sessions. The Bissell Cleanview XR Pet's compact form factor and lightweight nature make it particularly well-suited for those who need a vacuum that is easy to maneuver and effective at removing pet hair from stairs and other challenging areas.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Portability
Suction Power

Most important from
109815 reviews

Weight
Super lightweight and easy to use with a very small footprint when stored away.
Portability
Absolutely perfect for RV living, fitting into all the weird tiny corners and handling low pile rugs with ease.
Suction Power
Powerful suction for such a lightweight vacuum, making it a steal at its price point.
Attachments
The detachable features are highly appreciated, adding to its versatility and ease of use.
#3

Eureka 3670M Canister Cleaner, Lightweight Powerful Vacuum for Carpets and Hard floors, w/ 5bags,Yellow

Rating
9.5
Weight
Suction Power
Cord Length

Most important from
16403 reviews

Weight
This vacuum is so light and well designed.
Suction Power
Has an amazing amount of suction and is solidly built.
Cord Length
It's light, has a long cord, good suction, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Ease of Use
Works great and is easy to use without unnecessary frills.

The Eureka 3670M Canister Cleaner stands out as a lightweight and portable option, weighing just 8.6 pounds, making it easy to carry around the house and up and down stairs. With a powerful 1200-watt motor, it offers strong suction, which is great for deep cleaning on various surfaces like carpets, stairs, and hard floors.

The vacuum comes with a 2.5-liter dust bag, which allows for mess-free disposal, and includes two extension wands and specialty attachments for versatile cleaning, including high ceilings and tight spaces. However, its corded design might limit mobility compared to cordless models, and it lacks a battery, which means users need to ensure access to power outlets.

Additionally, the noise level is relatively high at 90 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the Eureka 3670M is a good fit for those who prioritize suction power and don't mind dealing with a cord for stair cleaning tasks.

Rating
9.5
Weight
Suction Power
Cord Length

Most important from
16403 reviews

Weight
This vacuum is so light and well designed.
Suction Power
Has an amazing amount of suction and is solidly built.
Cord Length
It's light, has a long cord, good suction, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Ease of Use
Works great and is easy to use without unnecessary frills.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuums For Stairs

Choosing the right vacuum 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 fact that they often have corners and edges that are hard to reach. When selecting a vacuum for stairs, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a model that meets your needs and makes the task as effortless as possible.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the vacuum is. This is important because a lighter vacuum is easier to carry up and down stairs. Vacuums can range from very lightweight (under 5 pounds) to quite heavy (over 20 pounds). For stairs, a vacuum that is under 10 pounds is generally ideal, as it will be easier to maneuver and less tiring to use. If you have physical limitations or a large number of stairs, opting for a lighter model can make a big difference.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to move the vacuum around. This includes features like a carrying handle, compact design, and whether the vacuum is cordless. A portable vacuum is crucial for stairs because it allows you to clean without struggling with a bulky machine. Look for vacuums that are specifically designed to be easy to carry and maneuver. If you have a lot of stairs or multiple levels in your home, a highly portable vacuum will save you time and effort.
Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is measured in air watts or similar units. Strong suction is important for stairs because dirt and dust can get embedded in carpet fibers or accumulate in corners. Vacuums with higher suction power (over 100 air watts) are generally more effective at deep cleaning. However, if your stairs are hardwood or tile, you might not need as much suction power as you would for carpeted stairs.
AttachmentsAttachments are additional tools that come with the vacuum, such as crevice tools, brush rolls, and upholstery tools. These are important for stairs because they help you clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. For example, a crevice tool can help you get into the corners and edges of stairs, while a brush roll can be useful for carpeted stairs. Consider what types of surfaces and debris you will be dealing with and choose a vacuum with attachments that will help you tackle those specific challenges.
Cord LengthCord length refers to how long the vacuum's power cord is. This is important because a longer cord allows you to clean more stairs without having to switch outlets. Cord lengths can vary from around 15 feet to over 30 feet. For stairs, a cord length of at least 20 feet is generally recommended to give you enough reach. If you prefer not to deal with cords at all, you might consider a cordless vacuum, which offers more flexibility but requires regular recharging.
Battery LifeBattery life is relevant if you are considering a cordless vacuum. It refers to how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. This is important because you want to be able to clean all your stairs without the battery dying. Battery life can range from 15 minutes to over an hour. For cleaning stairs, a battery life of at least 30 minutes is usually sufficient. If you have a lot of stairs or plan to use the vacuum for other tasks as well, look for a model with longer battery life or a quick recharge time.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how user-friendly the vacuum is, including factors like ergonomic design, ease of emptying the dustbin, and intuitive controls. This is important because a vacuum that is easy to use will make the task of cleaning stairs less cumbersome. Look for features like a comfortable handle, simple button controls, and a dustbin that can be emptied without making a mess. If you have specific needs, such as limited mobility, consider vacuums that are designed to be particularly easy to operate.

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