Best Vacuum For Stairs | Our Top Picks And Reviews 2024 (2024)

Let’s face it – nobody particularly enjoys vacuuming. Of course, the best way to clean stairs at home is to adopt the ‘little and often’ approach. Something you’ll find exponentially easier with a good vacuum cleaner, designed specifically with stairs in mind. But what is the best small, compact and lightweight vacuum available for cleaning the stairs? If looking to make things as easy on yourself as possible, which are the vacuums you should be looking at?

10 Best Vacuums for Stairs

• Best Overall: Eureka 72A EasyClean Handheld Vacuum
  “Lightweight, powerful, and extremely easy to use”
• Best for Carpeted Stairs: Shark Rocket HV292 Corded Vacuum
  “Smallest, lightest, and most convenient”
• Best Stick Vacuum: Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ Stick Vacuum
  “Exceptionally lightweight, powerful cleaning on a single charge”
• Best Robot Vacuum: Coredy R500+ Robot Vacuum
  “Good for spot cleaning, edge Cleaning, max cleaning, manual cleaning”
• Best Handheld Vacuum: Bissell 33A1 Handheld Vacuum
  “Compact, convenient, and feather-light design”
• Best Stick Vacuum: Eureka NES210 Stick Vacuum
  “Powerful performance, practical, and fully-functional all-rounder”
• Best Budget Vacuum: Black & Decker HHVI315JO42 Handheld Vacuum
  “This top pick will clean your stairs in a jiffy and all for under $50”
• Best Design: Shark LV801 Handheld Vacuum
  “Customers love the glossy industrial design, and technology”
• Best Canister Vacuum: Eureka NEN110A Canister Vacuum
  “Top-rated, top-selling, portable and easy to use”
• Best Corded Vacuum: Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED Corded Vacuum
  “Affordable handheld vacuum sucks and removes pet hair and dirt”

Best Stair Vacuums Reviews

As usual, the market for vacuums designed specifically with convenience and portability in mind is huge. Whatever your budget, you’ll find dozens (if not hundreds) of viable options to choose from.

It’s worth remembering that when it comes to vacuuming the stairs, properties like compactness, convenience and lightweight design matter most. At the same time, you also need something with enough power to get the job done properly.

In the following listings, we’ve compiled a rundown for the top 10 best vacuums for stairs of 2020 on Amazon and Walmart right now. All of which are not only designed with total convenience in mind, but have also earned the approval of countless satisfied customers. Pick up any of the following and you may find cleaning the stairs at home that little bit easier.

1) Eureka 72A EasyClean

Everything about the Eureka 72A EasyClean was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Eureka acknowledged that cleaning the stairs is one of the most maligned of all domestic duties, responding with a dual-motor device that makes light work of even the most difficult dirt and debris. A firm contender for the title of best stair vacuum in its price bracket right now, from one of the most renowned names in the business.

Features and Benefits

With its extensive 20-foot power cord, the Eureka 72A EasyClean has all the reach you’ll need to get into even the trickiest spots around the home. Along with all types of stairs and floor coverings, the high-power suction system is also just the thing for keeping upholstery fresh and clean at home and in the car.

The powered dusting brush roll to the front of the device makes light work of embedded dirt and pet hair on all types of floors, though can also be removed if preferred for added versatility. There’s a convenient crevice tool included in the kit, allowing the Eureka 72A EasyClean to get into the tightest corners and crevices.

Lightweight, powerful and extremely easy to use, the Eureka 72A EasyClean is great for tackling all types of stairs with no real drama whatsoever. It’s also a top-rated automotive cleaner, with a ton of applications in the garage, the workshop and everywhere else.

2) Shark Rocket HV292

If you’re simply on the lookout for the smallest, lightest and most convenient corded cleaner on the market, this is probably it. The Shark Rocket HV292 is an exceptionally compact and versatile vacuum for all types of surfaces – by far one of the easiest to work with on the market. It’s also been designed to reach pretty much every corner and crevice of the home and car for unrivalled versatility.

Features and Benefits

Portable and exceptionally lightweight, the Shark Rocket HV292 tips the scales at a slender 4lbs. This means you can tackle the stairs from top bottom quickly and easily, with no aches or pains involve. The True Pet Motorized Brush for intensive handheld cleaning is by far one of its best features, getting to work on even the most embedded dirt and problematic pet hair.

The power cord measures in at 15 feet, which is more than long enough to deal with most rooms and interior spaces. The Shark Rocket HV292 features a large dust collection chamber which can be entered at the touch of a button, while the high-quality hepa filters can be removed and rinsed on a regular basis for maximum freshness.

The kit also comes complete with a series of additional accessories, making the Shark Rocket HV292 the perfect choice for a variety of everyday applications.

Of course, every Shark Rocket HV292 also comes backed by an extensive warranty for total peace of mind. Now on sale online at a heavily discounted price, this is one of the most powerful yet convenient stair vacuums of its type you can pick up for this kind of money.

Read Full Review: Shark Rocket HV292 Review

3) Dyson V7 Animal Pro+

It’s not until you put the latest Dyson to the test that you understand what all the fuss is about. Far from an overpriced luxury, you don’t really need, the Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ is designed inside and out to make light work of all vacuuming tasks across the board. It’s by far one of the best vacuums for stairs on the market right now for cleaning the stairs but is nonetheless capable of tackling the entire home from top to bottom with absolute ease.

Features and Benefits

Boasting the latest direct-drive clean technology, the Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ delivers up to 75% more power than its predecessors. Its cutting-edge battery is good for up to 30 minutes of powerful cleaning, during which the Dyson V7 can be switched from a handheld to a stick vacuum and back again in a matter of seconds.

The kit comes complete with an extensive range of tools for cleaning the entire home, including a Flexi Crevice tool, Mini motorized tool, Stubborn Dirt brush, Combination tool, Crevice tool, Direct Drive cleaner head and a compact docking station.

Whole-machine filtration ensures that up to 99.97% of dust particles and allergens are removed from the air, while the hygienic dust collection chamber can be emptied at the push of a button.

Suitable for all types of floor coverings and exceptionally lightweight for such a powerful cleaner, the Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ is widely considered to be the ultimate cordless. Even with its relatively elevated purchase price, this is a state-of-the-art home cleaning device that represents truly remarkable value for money.

4) Coredy R500+

Admittedly, the Coredy R500+ hasn’t been designed with vacuuming stairs in mind. Instead, it’s an innovative and technologically advanced robot vacuum you can rely on to keep the rest of your home clean and sanitary. All of which means that you’ll have more time and energy to focus on vacuuming your stairs, as this clever little machine will handle the rest of the vacuuming on your behalf.

Features and Benefits

Like all sophisticated robot vacuum cleaners, the Coredy R500+ has been designed to eliminate everyday dirt and debris from the vast majority of floor coverings. With its advanced three-point system and dual edge-brushes, the Coredy R500+ delivers a far more precise and comprehensive clean than many comparable robot vacuums.

It’s also finished with a glorious tempered glass cover, which brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to the whole thing. Across the entire home, the Coredy R500+ delivers the kind of cleaning power, performance, and versatility you’d expect from a top-shelf robot vacuum, only at a significantly lower price.

Suitable for getting to grips with wet and dry spills alike, the Coredy R500+ has five selectable cleaning modes – Spot Cleaning, Edge Cleaning, Max Vacuuming Cleaning, Single Room Cleaning and Manual Cleaning.

A single charge is enough for up to 120 minutes of powerful cleaning, during which noise levels are kept below 60dB at all times.Additional accessories in the kit include 4x side brushes, 1x extra set of filters, 1x main brush, 1x remote control (2AAA batteries included), 1x cleaning brush, 1x charging dock, 1x power adapter, 1x welcome guide and the manufacturer’s warranty card. All in all, an innovative and user-friendly device that simplifies one of the most laborious of all domestic duties.

5) Bissell 33A1

Compact, convenient and lightweight in the extreme, the Bissell 33A1 has a quick and easy stair cleaning written all over it. Boasting a feather-light design yet surprisingly powerful performance, the Bissell 33A1 tackles embedded dirt and problematic pet hair better than many much larger vacuum cleaners. All for a price that’s almost impossible to beat, having been discounted multiple times since its launch.

Features and Benefits

It’s the compactness of the Bissell 33A1 that immediately stands out. From end to end, this perfectly practical cleaner measures no more than around 10 inches, while the whole thing weighs (literally) next to nothing. It hasn’t been designed to clean the entire home from top to bottom, but rather to tackle stairs, upholstery and the family car with ease.

Also referred to as the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, it packs the raw power and performance necessary to pull even the deepest embedded pet hair from all types of soft surfaces. Multi-level filtration ensures consistently efficient removal of dust particles and allergens from the air, while the easy-empty dirt tank keeps things as convenient and hygienic as possible.

As always, the Bissell 33A1 ships complete with an extensive warranty from the manufacturer, along with the kind of aftercare you’d expect from a market leading brand. Not to mention, the satisfaction of knowing that every sale helps the Bissell Pet Foundation for homeless pets.

6) Eureka NES210

Long story short – there’s a reason why the Eureka NES210 has sold online in volumes of tens of thousands. Without exception, there isn’t a single vacuum cleaner you can pick up on the market right now that delivers this type of convenience and versatility for such a low price. Particularly when it comes to vacuuming stairs and more awkward corners around the home, the way this thing performs is simply superb.

Features and Benefits

The primary point of appeal with the Eureka NES210 is the way in which it can convert from a stick vacuum, to a hand vacuum, to a stair vacuum, and back again – all in a matter of seconds. Whichever configuration you choose, you’re guaranteed the same powerful performance and exceptionally lightweight properties for quick, easy and convenient cleaning.

Swivel steering and simplifies the process of getting under and around fixtures and furniture, while the 18-foot power cord is more than long enough to reach high corners and tricky crevices. Speaking of which, the inclusive crevice tool is perfect for getting to grips with tight spaces around the home and in the car, while the stair vacuum mode is (of course) simply superb for dealing with the stairs.

Lightweight, practical and exceptionally easy to use, the Eureka NES210 represents almost impossibly good value for money. Particularly when you consider the fact that it isn’t just a superb stair vacuum, but is also a fully-functional all-round cleaner for the entire home.

Read Full Review: EUREKA NES210 Review

7) Black & Decker HHVI315JO42

Taking everything you know about the classic vacuum cleaner to the next level, the Black & Decker HHVI315JO42 combines an innovative design with truly impressive suction power. Along with dealing with everyday mess around the home, this cool little gadget has also become a firm favourite for all types of automotive cleaning.

Features and Benefits

Inside and out, the Black and Decker HHVI315JO42 represents a welcome evolution of the classic dustbuster. With its elongated nozzle and wide mouth, this high-quality cleaner is ideal for tackling all types of stairs with ease. Particularly when considering its lightweight properties, along with the kind of battery life needed to give the entire staircase a thorough and hygienic clean.

Black & Decker’s latest cyclonic suction system provides fade-free cleaning for the duration, while the inclusive crevice tool is ideal for getting into more difficult corners around the home. Extensive efforts have been made to keep noise levels to absolute minimums, while the manufacturer’s warranty brings peace of mind into every purchase.

Currently up for sale at its lowest price to date, the Black & Decker HHVI315JO42 is one of the best vacuum cleaner you can buy for this kind of money. Particularly when it comes to vacuuming stairs, upholstery and vehicle interiors, there’s little available right now that delivers the same kind of value for money.

Read Full Review: Black+Decker HHVI315JO42 Review

8) Shark LV801

The Shark LV801 that has been designed to combine the cleaning power of a large upright with the convenient and practicality of a cordless handheld. With its powerful Twister Suction Technology and superb motorized brush tool, the way the Shark LV801 gets to grips with even the most problematic dirt and pet hair really is outstanding. Plus, the fact that it’s a cordless makes it ideal for cleaning stairs from top to bottom (or bottom to top) with ease.

Features and Benefits

The Shark LV801 is a next-generation dustbuster of the epic proportions. Featuring the latest Twister Suction Technology to ensure fade-free cleaning from start to finish, the Shark LV801 also has one of the best motorised brush attachments of any comparable cleaner in its class.

From premium hardwood floors to the most luxurious deep-pile carpets, the way this thing eliminates embedded dirt and debris is outstanding. It’s also an exceptionally lightweight and practical device, making it perfect for dealing with stairs, upholstery, car interiors and so on.

The oversized dirt collection chamber reduces emptying requirements while in use, the lithium ion battery delivers extended run times and the advanced filtration system effectively removes dust particles and allergens from the air.

Designed more with precision jobs than whole-home cleaning in mind, the Shark LV801 is just the thing for making light work of even the most challenging stair cleaning jobs. An unbeatable buy at its current price and well worth checking out.

9) Eureka NEN110A

The Eureka NEN110A demonstrates how you don’t need to spend a fortune to take home a versatile and practical vacuum cleaner. Shipped complete with multiple tools to reach even the trickiest corners of the home, the Eureka NEN110A tips the scales at a slender 8lbs and is therefore ideal for tackling the stairs. All with powerful suction, an oversized dust cup and excellent filtration efficiency as added bonuses.

Features and Benefits

The Eureka NEN110A is designed to be the ultimate multi-surface vacuum,utilising the latest whirlwind suction technology to tackle even the trickiest dirt and debris. Choose from three cleaning settings at the touch of a button – carpet, upholstery & hard floors – using the inclusive crevice tool to get into trickier corners and crannies.

In terms of stair cleaning, the lightweight design of the Eureka NEN110A makes it quick and effortless to get the job done. There’s an oversized 3L dust collection chamber to reduce trips to the bin, the internal filter can be removed and rinsed on a regular basis for maximum freshness and the motor has been optimised to significantly reduce noise output while in use.

All of which is made even more impressive and appealing by the Eureka NEN110A’s ultra-low price tag, which has been reduced significantly over the past few months. A top-rated, top-selling vacuum for all purposes you won’t regret picking up.

10) Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED

Last in our listings comes the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED, which likes its counterparts above has earned many thousands of satisfied customer reviews online. Exceptionally powerful and practical yet comprehensively lightweight, the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED is a no-nonsense handheld for more precise cleaning jobs around the home and in the car.

Features and Benefits

Dirt Devil has become synonymous with the design and manufacture of compact yet powerful cleaners at comprehensively affordable prices. The Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED representing one of the brand’s most impressive outings to date, which despite weighing less than 4lbs is every bit as powerful as many conventional uprights. Coupled with a 15-foot power cord, this thing has all the power and versatility you’ll need to give your stairs a comprehensive clean in no time at all.

The interior of the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED also features a removable and washable filter for maximum freshness, while the convenient built-in crevice tool is great for reaching more awkward corners and crannies. Even the deepest embedded dirt and pet hair is no match for this thing, which turbos through everyday domestic duties like nothing else in its class.

Of course, it’s also ships with an extensive manufacturer’s warranty for total peace of mind. If you’re simply on the lookout for a lightweight, powerful and affordable handheld vacuum for the stairs that isn’t going to let you down, you cannot go wrong with the Dirt Devil Scorpion SD20005RED.

Read Full Review: Dirt Devil SD20005RED Review

If you would like to get reviews of other popular vacuum cleaners, kindly visit our Guide page.

How To Vacuum Stairs?

Here’s a question – what’s the best way to vacuum the stairs? In terms of getting the job done as quickly and safely as possible, how to vacuum stairs like a pro?

For obvious reasons, tackling stairs with hard floor coverings can be much easier. Just a simple brush and wipe is usually enough keep things clean and hygienic. By contrast, it’s not quite as easy for anyone looking to clean carpets on stairs on a regular basis.

Still, vacuuming carpeted stairs quickly and safely doesn’t have to be difficult. To help simplify one of the most maligned of all domestic duties, here’s how to vacuum stairs carpets like a pro:

Pick Up the Big Stuff First

Prior to getting started, it’s a good idea to first walk up the stairs slowly and pick up as much larger debris as you can by hand. This will ensure as many obstacles as possible are removed ahead of time, speeding up and simplifying the process of vacuuming your stairs.

Use the Right Vacuum

Unsurprisingly, nothing matters more than selecting an appropriate vacuum cleaner to get to grips with your stairs. Some prefer the convenience and versatility of a cordless, while others opt for the performance and reliability of a corded cleaner.

Whichever way you go, it needs to be something lightweight, practical and versatile enough for you to handle with ease, rather than a difficult and dangerous device that put your health and safety at risk.

Start with the Corners

It’s usually best to start with the corners, using a crevice tool (or similar attachment) to get into the more difficult corners and edges on the stairs.

This also tends to be where the vast majority of dust and debris accumulates, making this the most time-consuming part of the task. Start at the bottom at work your way slowly up to the top of the stairs, ensuring every corner and crevice is given a good clean.

Change to a Wider Attachment

After which, you can simply switch to a wider attachment and tackle the rest. This is by far the quickest and easiest part of the process, taking just minutes to complete with a quality vacuum cleaner.

A device with a motorized brush tool or specialist stair cleaning attachment can be a real godsend at this stage, though a powerful cordless dustbuster of any kind will usually get the job done well enough.

Safety First

Last but not least, it’s essential to prioritize your own health and safety from start to finish. This is particularly important when working with a corded cleaner, which could present a tripping hazard if not handled carefully. Take your time, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t attempt to vacuum the stairs if you’re not 100% confident you can handle it