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10 Best Stick Vacuums For Carpets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights | Removable Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Pet Multi-Tool Included | 40min Runtime | For Carpet & Hard Floors | Grey | IX141

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,438
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
33956 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum offers impressive suction power, particularly when the high suction trigger is used, making it highly effective on carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, allowing for substantial cleaning time even on high suction.
Weight and Maneuverability
It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes cleaning stairs and tight spaces hassle-free.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is easy to empty with a simple trap door mechanism, although it may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, model IX141, is a versatile cleaning tool designed for both carpets and hard floors, particularly accommodating households with pets. Its standout feature is the Hypervelocity Suction, which offers strong suction power, making it effective for everyday messes and high-traffic areas. The brush roll is designed to work well on both carpets and hard floors, enhancing its cleaning versatility. Additionally, the vacuum boasts a 40-minute runtime, which should be sufficient for most cleaning sessions without needing a recharge. However, it’s worth noting that this runtime is measured at the hand vac in standard mode without accessories, so using additional tools may reduce battery life.

The vacuum’s XL dustbin is another plus, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, and it features a CleanTouch Dirt Ejector for easy disposal of debris. Despite its robust features, the vacuum is lightweight at 6.89 pounds, making it easy to maneuver, especially with its low-profile design for cleaning under furniture. The inclusion of LED headlights is a thoughtful touch for spotting hidden debris, and the removable handheld component adds to its versatility for above-floor cleaning.

On the downside, the dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.34 quarts, which might require more frequent emptying for larger homes. Additionally, the charging time of 240 minutes could be a long wait if you need to recharge in the middle of cleaning. The noise level is 80 dB, which is somewhat on the louder side. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a versatile, powerful vacuum for both carpet and hard floor cleaning.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,438
Suction Power
Battery Life
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
33956 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum offers impressive suction power, particularly when the high suction trigger is used, making it highly effective on carpets and mats.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations, allowing for substantial cleaning time even on high suction.
Weight and Maneuverability
It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes cleaning stairs and tight spaces hassle-free.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is easy to empty with a simple trap door mechanism, although it may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions.
#2

Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle Upright Bagless Cordless Stick Vacuum for Carpet, Hard Floor and Pet with XL Dust Cup and 2-Speed Brushroll, White/Grey

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Battery Life

Most important from
33956 reviews

Suction Power
Performs exceptionally well on low pile carpets and smooth floors, effectively picking up pet hair and dirt without struggle.
Brush Roll
The brush roll is designed for easy hair removal and continues to function smoothly even when clogged with long hair.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for typical cleaning sessions, often lasting up to 40 minutes on mixed floor settings in real use.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and very maneuverable, making it ideal for daily quick cleanups and smaller spaces like dorms or apartments.
Dustbin Capacity
Suction remains strong throughout use and only diminishes when the dust cup is nearly full, which has a generous capacity.

The Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle is a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum weighing just 7.5 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver around the home, especially on carpeted floors. It features a 2-speed brush roll that adjusts between carpet and hard floor settings, which helps in effectively picking up pet hair and dirt on various surfaces. The suction power is supported by a 10.8V battery and 125-watt motor, providing decent cleaning strength for everyday carpet maintenance.

Battery life is modest, offering about 17 to 25 minutes of runtime on a single charge, which is typical for cordless stick vacuums but may require recharging for larger areas. The vacuum includes an XL dust cup capacity of 0.64 quarts, allowing extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, which is a convenient plus. Its filtration system uses washable foam filters, which are easy to maintain but may not be as advanced as HEPA filters in trapping very fine dust or allergens. Noise level is moderate at 80 dB, so it’s not too loud during use.

This vacuum provides good portability and solid cleaning features for carpets and hard floors; however, the relatively short battery life and lack of advanced allergen filtration could limit its suitability for very large homes or allergy sufferers. If you want a lightweight, cordless vacuum primarily for carpet and pet hair with easy handling and decent suction, this model fits well, especially for smaller to medium-sized spaces.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Battery Life

Most important from
33956 reviews

Suction Power
Performs exceptionally well on low pile carpets and smooth floors, effectively picking up pet hair and dirt without struggle.
Brush Roll
The brush roll is designed for easy hair removal and continues to function smoothly even when clogged with long hair.
Battery Life
Battery life is sufficient for typical cleaning sessions, often lasting up to 40 minutes on mixed floor settings in real use.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and very maneuverable, making it ideal for daily quick cleanups and smaller spaces like dorms or apartments.
Dustbin Capacity
Suction remains strong throughout use and only diminishes when the dust cup is nearly full, which has a generous capacity.
#3

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering (HV301), Gray/Orange

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
23777 reviews

Suction Power
The swivel steering helps reach every corner with ease. I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.
Brush Roll
It’s great at getting pet hair and long hair up. Easy to remove from the roller when it builds up.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is a game-changer! It's incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
Dustbin Capacity
The swivel steering helps reach every corner with ease. I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is a well-rounded option for carpet and hard floor cleaning. One of its key strengths is its powerful suction, which ensures thorough cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. The inclusion of a brush roll helps in deep cleaning carpet fibers, making it effective in removing embedded dirt and debris. Another highlight is its HEPA filtration system, which is excellent for capturing allergens and ensuring cleaner air, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is also lightweight, at just under 9 lbs, and has swivel steering, providing great maneuverability around furniture and in tight spaces. The fingertip controls make it easy to switch between different surfaces without much hassle. However, it's worth noting that this vacuum is corded, which can limit mobility compared to cordless models. The dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.31 quarts, meaning it requires frequent emptying during extended cleaning sessions.

On the plus side, it converts to a handheld vacuum, adding versatility for cleaning above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. The package includes useful attachments like an upholstery tool, an anti-allergen dust brush, and a crevice tool, which expand its cleaning capabilities. With a noise level of 80 dB, it is on par with most stick vacuums but might be a bit loud for some users. The vacuum also comes with a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind in terms of durability and customer support. If you don't mind the cord and can manage with the smaller dustbin, the Shark Rocket HV301 offers strong performance, especially for carpet cleaning, in a lightweight and versatile design.

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
23777 reviews

Suction Power
The swivel steering helps reach every corner with ease. I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.
Brush Roll
It’s great at getting pet hair and long hair up. Easy to remove from the roller when it builds up.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is a game-changer! It's incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house, yet powerful enough to tackle both carpet and hard floors.
Dustbin Capacity
The swivel steering helps reach every corner with ease. I love how easy it is to empty the dust cup, and the vacuum doesn’t lose suction.

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