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10 Best Stick Vacuums For Carpets 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bissell PowerClean FurGuard 280W Self-Standing Cordless Vacuum w/Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, Strong Suction, Removeable Battery, Wall Mount, Upholstery Tool & Bright Headlights

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Battery Life

Most important from
2301 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s powerful suction impressively lifts embedded pet hair and dust in a single pass, revealing hidden messes with bright headlights.
Brush Roll
The FurFinder headlights and gel-like pad on the brush roll significantly enhance pet hair pickup, making it remarkably effective.
Battery Life
The battery life easily supports cleaning an entire apartment with energy to spare, eliminating mid-clean interruptions.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum's weight and size make it less maneuverable under low furniture compared to lighter models.

The Bissell PowerClean FurGuard is a cordless stick vacuum designed to tackle pet hair and carpet cleaning. Its 280W motor offers strong suction, which, combined with the self-cleaning FurGuard brush roll, prevents hair tangles and effectively removes embedded pet hair across various surfaces. The vacuum’s unique FurFinder headlights brighten hidden dust and fur, making it easier to spot messes. With up to 50 minutes of runtime, it provides ample cordless cleaning time, and the removable battery adds convenience for charging or replacement.

Weighing 7.3 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, offering good maneuverability for moving around furniture and stairs. The dustbin holds about 0.3 liters, which is average—suitable for regular use but might require emptying during larger cleaning sessions. The HEPA sealed allergen system is a strong advantage, capturing dust and allergens well to improve air quality, especially beneficial for allergy sufferers. It also stands on its own for easy storage and includes useful attachments like a crevice tool and upholstery brush, enhancing its versatility.

While the 280W suction is solid, some competing models may offer stronger power. The modest dustbin capacity may lead to more frequent emptying during longer cleaning tasks. This vacuum is well-suited for pet owners and carpet users seeking a cordless, user-friendly machine that handles pet hair and allergens efficiently, with features designed to simplify cleaning and maintenance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Battery Life

Most important from
2301 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s powerful suction impressively lifts embedded pet hair and dust in a single pass, revealing hidden messes with bright headlights.
Brush Roll
The FurFinder headlights and gel-like pad on the brush roll significantly enhance pet hair pickup, making it remarkably effective.
Battery Life
The battery life easily supports cleaning an entire apartment with energy to spare, eliminating mid-clean interruptions.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum's weight and size make it less maneuverable under low furniture compared to lighter models.
#2

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles, Converts to Handheld, 115AW, 2 Power Modes, Up to 40 Minutes¹

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Filtration System
Battery Life

Most important from
3968 reviews

Suction Power
Impressive suction power that easily picks up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system significantly improves air quality, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.
Battery Life
Perfect for smaller spaces, though the battery might not last long on full blast.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making cleaning less of a chore.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a versatile and powerful stick vacuum designed to handle various cleaning tasks, especially on carpets. Its strong suction power and Motorbar cleaner head are significant advantages, ensuring deep cleaning on all floor types, while effectively de-tangling long hair and pet hair, making it ideal for pet owners.

The vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, which is suitable for most cleaning sessions, and it includes two power modes for different cleaning intensities. The advanced whole-machine filtration system, which traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensures that the air expelled is cleaner, beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Weighing only 5.6 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it user-friendly for quick and versatile cleaning. Additionally, its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum adds to its convenience for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery. However, the 0.14-gallon dustbin capacity may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions, which could be inconvenient for larger homes. Also, while the battery life is adequate for small to medium-sized homes, it might fall short for larger spaces requiring more extensive cleaning. Nevertheless, with its included accessories and durable build, the Dyson V8 Plus offers a comprehensive cleaning solution for various surfaces and is especially well-suited for homes with pets and carpets.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Filtration System
Battery Life

Most important from
3968 reviews

Suction Power
Impressive suction power that easily picks up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system significantly improves air quality, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.
Battery Life
Perfect for smaller spaces, though the battery might not last long on full blast.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making cleaning less of a chore.
#3

Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum – Lightweight Cordless with HEPA Filter, Portable, Rechargeable, Auto-Empty System, Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair, Carpets & Hardfloor, White, BU3521

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Filtration System
Battery Life

Most important from
29892 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction, even on normal mode, makes it effective for cleaning dust, dirt, hair, and pet fur.
Filtration System
The self-emptying feature works flawlessly, reducing exposure to dust and allergens.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for cleaning multiple rooms, with the eco mode providing extended usage.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for quick cleanups without the hassle of a larger vacuum.
Dustbin Capacity
Despite its small canister, the vacuum performs well with lots of dog hair and heavier messes.

The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum offers several appealing features for anyone looking to tackle carpet cleaning with ease. One of its key strengths is the impressive HEPA filtration system that traps over 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it a strong choice for those with allergies. Additionally, the vacuum is equipped with an auto-adjusting brush roll that can optimize its speed for deep carpet cleaning while also being effective on hard floors. The suction power, while not explicitly rated, is supported by these enhanced brush roll capabilities and fine dust handling, ensuring thorough cleaning on various surfaces.

Its lightweight design, being 30% lighter than the Shark Vertex Pro, adds to its maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. The detachable hand vacuum feature also enhances its versatility for above-floor cleaning tasks. However, the vacuum's runtime of 40 minutes in ECO mode might be limiting for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions, especially given the 5-hour charging time. The dustbin capacity of 1.3 liters is adequate but may require more frequent emptying for larger cleaning tasks.

The automatic emptying feature, which empties the vacuum into its base after every clean, helps reduce dust exposure and adds to the convenience, but it does add to the overall maintenance complexity. At 11.24 pounds, it is relatively portable but may still be considered slightly heavy for a stick vacuum by some users. The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum is well-suited for those who need a powerful, versatile vacuum for carpets and hard floors, particularly those with allergies, but may not be ideal for users needing longer runtime or less maintenance.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Filtration System
Battery Life

Most important from
29892 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction, even on normal mode, makes it effective for cleaning dust, dirt, hair, and pet fur.
Filtration System
The self-emptying feature works flawlessly, reducing exposure to dust and allergens.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for cleaning multiple rooms, with the eco mode providing extended usage.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for quick cleanups without the hassle of a larger vacuum.
Dustbin Capacity
Despite its small canister, the vacuum performs well with lots of dog hair and heavier messes.

Buying Guide for the Best Stick Vacuums For Carpets

Choosing the right stick vacuum for carpets can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your flooring. Stick vacuums are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and perfect for quick clean-ups. However, not all stick vacuums are created equal, especially when it comes to cleaning carpets. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a stick vacuum for carpets, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris from your carpet. This is crucial for carpets because they tend to trap more dirt and require stronger suction to clean thoroughly. Suction power is often measured in air watts (AW) or pascals (Pa). For carpets, look for a vacuum with higher suction power, typically above 100 AW or 20,000 Pa, to ensure deep cleaning. If you have thicker carpets, you might need even more powerful suction.
Brush RollThe brush roll, or beater bar, is a rotating brush that helps agitate carpet fibers to loosen dirt and debris. This feature is essential for effective carpet cleaning. Some vacuums come with motorized brush rolls, which are more effective than non-motorized ones. If you have high-pile or plush carpets, a motorized brush roll is highly recommended. For low-pile carpets, a standard brush roll may suffice. Additionally, look for vacuums with adjustable brush roll settings to accommodate different carpet types.
Filtration SystemA good filtration system ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum and not released back into the air. This is particularly important for households with allergy sufferers. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you or anyone in your household has allergies, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard filter may be adequate, but ensure it is easy to clean or replace.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use your stick vacuum before needing to recharge it. This is especially important for larger homes or if you plan to use the vacuum for extended periods. Battery life is usually measured in minutes, with most stick vacuums offering between 20 to 60 minutes of runtime. For small to medium-sized homes, a vacuum with 20-30 minutes of battery life may be sufficient. For larger homes, look for models with longer battery life or the option to swap out batteries for continuous cleaning.
Weight and ManeuverabilityOne of the main advantages of stick vacuums is their lightweight and easy maneuverability. This makes them ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces. The weight of the vacuum can range from 3 to 10 pounds. If you have multiple floors or plan to carry the vacuum around frequently, opt for a lighter model. Additionally, consider the vacuum's design and how easily it can navigate around furniture and corners. Swivel steering and a low-profile head can enhance maneuverability.
Dustbin CapacityThe dustbin capacity indicates how much dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency, especially if you have a large area to clean. Dustbin capacities for stick vacuums typically range from 0.3 to 1 liter. For smaller homes or quick clean-ups, a smaller dustbin may be sufficient. For larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions, a larger dustbin will reduce the frequency of emptying.

FAQ