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 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.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum is a versatile and lightweight cleaning tool, ideal for those looking to clean stairs efficiently. Weighing 8.6 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, which makes it easier to carry up and down stairs. Its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum adds to its portability, making it more convenient to clean hard-to-reach areas. The strong suction power is effective for deep carpet cleaning and picking up pet hair, a notable advantage for pet owners.

The inclusion of specialized pet tools further enhances its capability to handle pet hair on various surfaces, including tight spaces and furniture. Additionally, the LED headlights are a thoughtful feature, illuminating hidden debris and ensuring a thorough clean. The XL dust cup capacity (0.68 quarts) allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent interruptions for emptying. However, being a corded model might limit its range of movement compared to cordless vacuums, and it operates at 80 dB, which might be considered a bit noisy for some users.

Given its powerful suction and specialized attachments, this vacuum is particularly suited for pet owners and those with a mix of carpeted and hard floor areas. Despite not being cordless, its performance and pet-specific features make it a strong contender for stair cleaning needs.