The Best Vacuums for Stairs
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Cleaning the stairs can seem like a tricky job to do but with the right equipment, you can make this task easier for yourself. Most vacuums are too heavy to transport up and down long staircases which makes it difficult to clean and even unsafe to walk up and down the staircase with a heavy, cumbersome vacuum cleaner. That is why you need one that is lightweight and designed specifically for cleaning stairs.
Apart from a robust filtration system, a vacuum for cleaning staircases should not have a power cord as it would make the task difficult. Therefore a cordless stick vacuum would be an ideal option. There are other desirable features like maneuverability and ease of use that make a vacuum suitable for cleaning stairs. Also, a vacuum that has a compact design would be easy to place on the steps of a staircase while you clean.
Here is the list of best vacuums for stairs that are available today. A good vacuum would not only clean staircases but will also come in handy for other quick clean-ups around the house. Those folks who have kids or pets can also benefit from having a lightweight vacuum that is easy to carry around the house.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum Cleaner,
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Runner Up  | BuTure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Compact  | BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
The Best Vacuums for Stairs
We have thoroughly researched a wide variety of vacuum cleaners to find the best options that have easy-to-use attachments for easier cleaning of stairs. Our list of the best vacuums for stairs has an option for all kinds of homes and cleaning needs.
- Best Overall: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless
- Runner-Up: BuTure Stick Vacuum
- Best Compact: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster
- Most Versatile: Shark Cordless Handheld UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
- Best for Pet Hair: BLACK+DECKER Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
- Best for the Money: BLACK+DECKER Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
- Best on a Budget: Bissell Zing Lightweight Canister
Best Overall: Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless
Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V11 is a light, portable, and cordless vacuum ideal for cleaning carpeted stairs. The impressive features and design of this product have made it land on the top of our list. The Dyson V11 has an integrated lithium-ion battery that delivers 60 minutes of continuous use from a single charge.
The advanced whole-machine filtration system removes allergens, bacteria, and germs as you clean your home. This vacuum offers two motor speeds, one for hard surfaces and the other for carpeting and rugs. Apart from impressive functionality, this vac comes with an intuitive LED screen that alerts you about maintenance issues.
The Dyson V11 has powerful suction power for a cord-free vacuum and the Dynamic load sensor system actively optimizes motor speed for proper cleaning of all kinds of surfaces. In addition, it easily transforms into a handheld vac for easy clean-ups, spot cleaning, and cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. The wall-mounted charger makes it convenient to charge the vacuum.
The lightweight, cordless design and impressive maneuverability of the Dyson V11 make it the ideal choice for cleaning stairs. Here are the top benefits of the Dyson V11 that landed it in the best overall position:
- Lightweight, portable, and quickly transforms into a handheld vacuum
- Fade-free battery power and a battery-saving trigger for long run time
- Engineered for easy cleaning
- Twice the suction power compared to other cordless vacuums
- Real-time information on the LCD screen
- Dyson’s Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) system changes the motor speed between carpets and hard floors
Related: The Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Runner-Up: BuTure Stick Vacuum
BuTure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Another great option on our list of best vacuums for stairs is the BuTure Stick vacuum that packs a powerful 380W Brushless Digital Motor & 26KPa Suction power. It has two suction modes that meet all the various cleaning needs of a home. This vacuum will efficiently remove debris, dust, and pet hair from your home.
The Cyclone 5-stage Filtration System on this vac captures 99.99% fine particles. The HEPA and Dust boxes are Detachable and Washable.
This rechargeable cordless vacuum has a 2600 mAh detachable battery with a run time of 18-35 minutes after 4 hours of charging. The BuTure vacuum has a retractable tube design so that you can change the length of the tube for different heights and cleaning needs.
This stick vacuum cleaner has impressive maneuverability and cleaning efficiency which is ideal for cleaning stairs. After using it you can easily store it on the wall mount stand to save space. To add to your convenience the dust cup releases debris with a touch of a button without getting your hands dirty.
Here are the key benefits of the BuTure vacuum that make it an ideal option for vacuuming steps:
- Powerful cordless stick vacuum, with rechargeable battery
- Great clean on both carpet and hardwoods
- Lightweight and easy to move around for cleaning right where you need it
- Adjustable cleaning tube for cleaner’s height
- Filtration system has 5 stages
Related: The Best Vacuum for Shag Rugs
Best Compact: BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
The Black+Decker Dustbuster is an extremely lightweight and compact vacuum weighing just two pounds so that you can easily carry it up and down staircases. It is a cordless hand-held design that can be used easily for cleaning stairs, corners, and crevices.
It has an integrated lithium battery and a large 21-ounce dust bowl that goes through multiple cleanings without the need to be emptied. This vacuum and all of its components can easily be opened and hand-washed for maintenance.
One downside is that the battery takes 4 hours to recharge although that is typical for cordless designs. Another point to note is that the battery is not replaceable, in case it malfunctions over the years.
Here are a number of our favorite benefits of the Black+Decker Dustbuster:
- Handheld, lightweight, cordless vacuum
- Includes flip-up brush for upholstery and dusting
- Can be used on multiple surfaces and flooring types
- Cyclone technology for strong suction power
- Easy empty dirt canister and washable filters
Most Versatile: Shark Cordless Handheld UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
Shark CH951 Cordless Handheld Vacuum UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
The most versatile vacuum that offers multiple cleaning benefits is the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. Having a compact, lightweight, and handheld design this vacuum is a suitable option for stairs because it won’t tire you out carrying it up and down the length of your staircase. The cordless design ensures that you don’t have to stay close to an electrical outlet.
This vacuum features a miniature motorized turbo brush that efficiently cleans carpeted stairs. It also has a self-cleaning brush that prevents tangled hair wraps making it ideal for pet owners. The crevice tool helps remove debris stuck in cracks and corners of the stairs.
The vacuum is well-built and easy to maintain. The only part that needs periodic replacing is the dust cup filter so the recurring costs are low as well.
One downside is that this vacuum does not have the allergen-trapping HEPA filter so it is not the best option for those who suffer from allergies. The battery life of this vac is also quite less at a little over 10 minutes which forces you to work quickly. Other than these two drawbacks, the Shark Cordless Pet Pro is a highly portable vacuum with a strong performance that is sufficient for cleaning staircases.
Features that stand out on the Shark UltraCyclone Cordless Pet Pro:
- Cordless for ease of use on stairs
- Motorized turbo brush to effectively clean carpets
- Easy to maintain
Related: Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
Best for Pet Hair: BLACK+DECKER Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum with Pet Hair Brush
Pet owners always look for certain features in their vacuum cleaners that help eliminate pet hair and pet messes. The black+decker max flex is the best device for removing pet hair from staircases since it comes in a handheld design that weighs only 3 lb.
When you look at the features of Black+Decker Max Flex you know that it has been designed for animal lovers. It has a dedicated pet hairbrush that quickly eliminates all animal-related dirt and debris. This vacuum has a three-stage filtration system that makes sure that pet hair, dust, and other allergens cannot escape back into the air from the debris canister.
Another good feature is that the filter and debris canister both can be removed and hand-washed easily for efficient maintenance. This vacuum has a cordless design with a built-in lithium battery, but one drawback is that you only get around 20 minutes of continuous use per charge.
These key benefits are what make the Black+Decker Max Flex critical if you have pets:
- Handheld, extremely lightweight vacuum
- Specifically designed pet hairbrush to effectively pick up quickly
- 3 step filtration system to keep allergens trapped inside the vacuum
Best for the Money: BLACK+DECKER Furbuster Handheld Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Furbuster Handheld Vacuum for Pet
The best affordable vacuum for stairs is the Black Decker’s Fur buster which comes with a motorized pet brush and anti-tangle brush that prevents any blockage in the brush roll. This handheld vacuum is easy to use on staircases and has an easy empty dust bowl for one-touch mess-free emptying. It offers two speeds with a power boost for stubborn stuck-on pet hair.
It has a long built-in crevice tool that helps you reach distant spots with less effort. Other notable features of this device include an XL 750 ml dust bin, up to 145% more runtime, and a battery indicator that lets you know when you need to charge the vacuum. Landing the Black+Decker Furbuster Handheld Vacuum on our Best Vacuums for Stairs list with these features:
- Handheld, lightweight
- Easy empty dirt cup
- Multiple suction setting to get up tough messes
Best on a Budget: Bissell Zing Lightweight Canister
BISSELL Zing Lightweight
Another efficient vacuum that is reasonably priced is the Bissel Zing Bagless Canister vacuum. It has a basic model ideal for cleaning small debris. The compact, lightweight body of the Bissel Zing and the integrated carrying handle make this model a smart choice for cleaning staircases.
The Bissel Zing has a dirt cup capacity of 2 liters which is adequate for cleaning stairs. Its Cyclonic action and powerful suction provide thorough cleaning and the bagless design makes it easier to maintain. The Bissel Zing can quickly transition between cleaning carpets and hard floors with the flip of a switch.
A few downsides of the Bissel Zing include a narrow head that can not pick up larger debris, impacting its cleaning performance. The short power cord can also be a nuisance if you want to clean larger staircases. The disposable filters will add to the recurring cost of maintaining this vacuum which may not be desirable for some people. Regardless, if you need a budget-friendly canister model and you don’t need to clean up large debris, then the Bissel Zing is a good option for you.
- Lightweight and handheld for portability
- Cyclone cleaning for strong suction power
- Cleans multiple flooring types
Related: The Best Vacuums for Concrete Floors
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum Cleaner,
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Runner Up | BuTure Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Compact | BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Related: The Best Vacuum for Fleas
Final Thoughts on the Best Vacuums for Stairs
If you are struggling to keep your staircase clean, then investing in a vacuum would be a good solution. You should look for a lightweight, cordless vacuum that is compact yet powerful enough to remove dirt and debris. You can also use the same vacuum for quick clean-ups around the house.
Our list of the best vacuums for stairs provides the most efficient options available in the market. We have thoroughly researched some popular vacuums to create this list of the most feature-packed and easy-to-use stair cleaning tools that will be a good investment for your home cleaning needs.