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 Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is well-suited for cleaning stairs, offering several features that enhance its usability in this scenario. Weighing just 5.6 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is crucial for stair cleaning. The cordless design adds to its portability and convenience, allowing you to move freely without being restricted by a cord. The vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of fade-free suction power, which is ample time for most stair cleaning tasks.

Additionally, it features two power modes to balance between regular and intensive cleaning needs, which is helpful for different levels of dirt and debris commonly found on stairs. The Motorbar cleaner head and the Hair screw tool are particularly beneficial as they efficiently handle long hair and pet hair, which are often problematic on stairs. The high-quality HEPA filtration system is another plus, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped, making the air cleaner as you vacuum. The vacuum comes with multiple attachments, including a crevice tool and mini soft dusting brush, which can reach into tight spaces and corners commonly found on stairs.

A notable advantage is its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum, offering even greater versatility for detailed cleaning. However, some users might find the 0.14-gallon dustbin capacity on the smaller side, requiring more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. The noise level is 70 dB, which is relatively standard but something to consider if you prefer quieter operation. The 2-year warranty and lifetime support from Dyson add to the product's reliability and customer satisfaction. The Dyson V8 Plus excels in portability, attachments, and suction power, making it a strong contender for those needing an efficient vacuum for stair cleaning.

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.