Based on 7,882 analyzed reviews
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NerdWallet Shopping’s rankings of the best stick vacuums are based on the analysis of expert opinions, review sites and shoppers just like you.
Picking a vacuum is no easy choice, so we analyzed some of the most popular models on the market to help make your purchase decision a little less confusing.
To narrow down the field, we looked at expert opinions from review sites such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. Next, we analyzed user reviews to see what shoppers were saying about the various attributes of each vacuum.
We recognize that consumers look for different qualities when selecting appliances, which is why we ranked vacuums according to the features that matter most to shoppers.
Our analysis
Here’s how we came up with our rankings:
Overall score: The overall score, which like the other scores can range from a low of 1 to a high of 10, considers how satisfied buyers are with the vacuum on 10 factors, including how well it cleans across various surfaces, ease of use, durability and noise.
How well it cleans: This score reflects how satisfied buyers are with the vacuum’s performance on carpet and hard floors, including hardwood, bare, tile and vinyl. This score also reflects how satisfied buyers are with the vacuum’s ability to clean up pet hair and debris.
Ease of use: This score reflects how satisfied buyers are with the vacuum’s ability to maneuver (weight, cord, etc.), the process of emptying or cleaning out the vacuum, and whether the vacuum is easy to operate.
The rankings
#1 Dyson V6 Motorhead Cordless
The Dyson V6 Motorhead is a standout stick vacuum that excels at cleaning performance, user maneuverability and durability.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 9.3 | 10.0 | 9.0 |
Buyers Like
- Performs well on carpet, bare floors and stairs
- Picks up pet hair
- Lightweight, portable and maneuverable
Buyers Dislike
- Short battery life
- Can be messy to empty
#2 Dyson V6 Cordless
A top choice among pet owners, the Dyson V6 earns rave reviews from buyers for its pet hair pickup, its stair-cleaning ability and its efficiency on bare floors. The Dyson V6 is similar to the V6 Motorhead, but lacks the direct-drive cleaner head.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 9.0 | 9.8 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Performs well on bare floors and stairs
- Picks up pet hair
- Durable
Buyers Dislike
- Relatively noisy
- Short battery life
#3 Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 Cordless
Ideal for single-story homes, the Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 performs well on carpet, is relatively quiet, and cleans with minimal hassle.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.7 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Quiet
- Easy to clean
Buyers Dislike
- Doesn’t perform well on stairs
- Parts tend to break over time
#4 Dirt Devil BD20035Red Cordless
The Dirt Devil BD20035Red is a reliable all-purpose stick vacuum that performs well on bare floors, excels at picking up pet hair, and offers an easy-to-clean design.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.6 | 9.2 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Performs well on stairs
- Easy to clean
Buyers Dislike
- Doesn’t reach corners of rooms
- Noisy
#5 Shark Rocket HV301
With its long power cord and durable construction, the Shark Rocket HV301 is a dependable stick vacuum for whole-home cleaning.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.0 |
Buyers Like
- Long power cord
- Durable
Buyers Dislike
- Suction is not strong
- Device is top-heavy
- Can be messy to empty
#6 Electrolux Ergorapido EL1030A Cordless
Consumers praise the Electrolux Ergorapido EL1030A for its pleasant cleaning experience, including its low noise level and easy-to-clean design.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.4 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Performs well on stairs
- Quiet
Buyers Dislike
- Doesn’t perform well on high carpet or thick rugs
- Durability concerns — battery tends to lose charge after continued use
#7 Hoover LiNX BH50010 Cordless
The Hoover LiNX BH50010 is a lightweight stick vacuum that can transition from cleaning the carpet on the first floor to those hard-to-reach spots on the stairs.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.4 | 9.7 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Performs well on carpet and stairs
- Lightweight and maneuverable
Buyers Dislike
- Short battery life
- Not durable for long-term use
#8 Bissell Lift-off Pet 53Y81 Cordless
Carting your vacuum around the whole house is made simple by the Bissell Lift-Off Pet 53Y81’s low noise level and manageable weight.
| Overall score | How well it cleans | Ease of use |
| 8.4 | 8.5 | 9.1 |
Buyers Like
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Quiet
- Good customer service
Buyers Dislike
- Not ideal for large areas of carpet
- Doesn’t pick up pet litter well
- Can clog easily
Stick vacuum buying guide
Because they’re lightweight, portable and maneuverable, stick vacuums are popular for small cleaning jobs, but sorting out what sets one of these vacuum cleaners apart from another can be difficult.
When buying a stick vacuum, these are the top things you should keep in mind:
Surface type
Before making a purchase, ensure that the model you’re considering is a fit for your home. Certain vacuums are strong performers on bare floors, others can pick up messes on carpet and still others can do both. A lack of suction on certain surfaces can mean dirt and debris will be left behind.
Weight
Because stick vacuums are intended for cleaning rooms, stairs and practically every other area of the house, you’ll likely be carrying yours around frequently during cleaning. Pick a product that is light enough for you to carry. Some stick models can weigh less than five pounds.
Battery
As is the case with robot vacuums, you’ll want to keep the battery life of your stick vacuum in mind. How long can it run on a single charge? How long will it need to recharge before it can operate again? If you don’t want to risk the possibility of running out of battery power or forgetting to recharge your device, opt for a stick vacuum with a power cord.
Pet Hair
It’s a category of vacuum cleaning all its own: pet hair pickup. If you have any furry companions in your home, consider a device that is suited for removing their hair. Some models even come with nozzles and on-board tools that are specifically designed for that purpose.
Noise
Stick vacuums may be comparatively smaller than traditional upright models, but they can sometimes be just as loud. Consider the noise level of your possible new device, and if noise bothers you, pick a quieter model.
Longevity
How long do you plan on keeping your stick vacuum? Before you invest in a new cleaning device, look at customer reviews to gauge the durability of a particular vacuum model. You’ll also want to research how much it will cost to purchase replacement parts and accessories, if necessary.
Accessories
When you buy a vacuum, sometimes you aren’t buying just a vacuum. Certain models come with tools and accessories suited for different cleaning jobs, from dust nozzles to pet hair attachments. Read through a vacuum’s product specs to see whether the vacuum you’re considering has any extras.
Compare other popular vacuums here:
For more vacuum buying advice, check out:
- How to get the best deal on a vacuum
- 5 things you should know before buying a vacuum
- 3 best vacuums for pet owners
Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.
Top image via iStock.
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