Best small vacuum – 5 Options Reviewed

I don’t know about you, but those little everyday messes always seem to pop up at the worst times – a few crumbs after a quick snack, some pet hair on the sofa, or dust bunnies gathering in a tight corner. While a full-sized vacuum is great for deep cleaning, it’s often too cumbersome for these quick clean-ups. That’s where a small vacuum comes in handy. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a tidy home without the hassle. But with so many options out there, from powerful stick vacuums to versatile handheld models, how do you find the best small vacuum for your needs? We’ve put five popular contenders to the test, looking at their performance, features, and ease of use to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive into these compact cleaning heroes!

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm…	View on Amazon
	Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with…	View on Amazon
	BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld…	View on Amazon
	Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet…	View on Amazon
	BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld…	View on Amazon

Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum

This isn’t your grandma’s clunky upright! The Bissell CleanView Compact is designed for efficient, powerful cleaning in a surprisingly small package. Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry around, making it perfect for apartments, dorms, or multi-level homes. We love how its Scatter-Free Technology tackles messes on hard floors, keeping crumbs and debris from spreading. Plus, every purchase helps pets, which is a big win in our book! It delivers powerful suction that belies its size, making everyday clean-ups a breeze, and its easy empty dirt container means less mess for you when it’s time to dispose of debris.

Key features that stand out:
– Pet-Friendly Purchase: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation with every sale.
– Scatter-Free Technology: Effectively captures messes on hard floors.
– Powerful Suction: Offers strong cleaning performance.
– Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighs less than 8 pounds for easy transport.
– Easy Empty Dirt Container: Disposes of debris with a push of a button.

Pros:
– Very lightweight and compact, easy to store and carry.
– Excellent for hard floors, preventing debris scatter.
– Strong suction power for its size.
– Simple, one-button dirt disposal.

Cons:
– Might not be as effective on deep pile carpets as a full-sized upright.

Best for: Small apartments, dorm rooms, quick clean-ups on hard floors and low-pile carpets, pet owners who value giving back.

Expert Opinion: This little upright packs a punch for its size. It’s fantastic for those who need more power than a handheld but still want extreme portability, especially for quick pet-related messes.

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum

The Bissell Featherweight Stick is a true chameleon of clean, offering three machines in one: a stick vacuum, a handheld vacuum, and a stair vacuum. This versatility makes it an incredibly practical choice for various cleaning tasks around the house. It delivers powerful suction for quick pickups, easily transforming from tidying hard floors to spot-cleaning carpets and area rugs. We found its included crevice tool for furniture and floor nozzle for stairs incredibly useful for reaching awkward spots. It’s truly a lightweight powerhouse that won’t strain your arms.

Key features that stand out:
– 3-in-1 Versatility: Functions as a stick, handheld, and stair vacuum.
– Powerful Suction: Great for quick pickups on various surfaces.
– Crevice Tool and Floor Nozzle: Enhances cleaning for furniture and stairs.
– Cleans Hard Floors and Low-Pile Carpet: Versatile for different surface types.
– Lightweight Design: Easy to maneuver and store.

Pros:
– Extremely versatile, converting for different cleaning needs.
– Very lightweight and easy to handle.
– Good suction for everyday spills and light dirt.
– Affordable and practical.

Cons:
– The cord length might feel restrictive in larger spaces.

Best for: Small homes, apartments, college students, quick daily clean-ups, and those who need a versatile, compact cleaner for multiple surfaces.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld

When it comes to handheld convenience, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean stands out. As a cordless unit, it offers incredible freedom to clean anywhere – from your living room sofa to your car’s interior. Its 16V MAX lithium-ion battery provides high suction power and consistent performance, making it a reliable workhorse for tackling hair, dirt, and debris. We loved its thoughtful design features like the rotating slim nozzle for tight spots, a pull-out crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas, and a flip-up brush for upholstery. Plus, the washable dirt bowl and filter make maintenance a breeze.

Key features that stand out:
– 16V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: Delivers strong, consistent suction.
– Cordless Convenience: Portable and lightweight for use anywhere.
– Multi-Surface Use: Cleans carpets, car interiors, furniture, and pet hair.
– Rotating Slim Nozzle, Pull-Out Crevice Tool, Flip-Up Brush: Versatile attachments for various cleaning tasks.
– Cyclonic Action: Keeps suction strong by spinning dust away from the filter.
– Washable Dirt Bowl and Filter: Easy to clean and maintain.

Pros:
– Excellent cordless freedom and portability.
– Strong suction for a handheld, great for pet hair and car cleaning.
– Multiple built-in tools enhance versatility.
– Easy to empty and clean the filter/dirt bowl.

Cons:
– Battery life could be longer for extensive cleaning sessions.

Best for: Busy individuals, pet owners, car owners, and anyone needing a powerful, go-anywhere handheld vacuum for quick, diverse clean-ups.

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light is a true heavy-hitter in a featherlight package. Weighing in at under 9 lbs., this corded stick vacuum delivers ultra-powerful cleaning on carpets and hard floors without ever losing suction or power. Its ability to convert to a handheld vacuum gives you incredible versatility for floor-to-ceiling cleaning. We found its swivel steering to be incredibly agile, making it easy to navigate around furniture and in tight spaces. With fingertip controls to switch between surfaces and an easy-empty dust cup, it’s designed for efficiency and convenience, and it even comes with a generous 5-year limited warranty.

Key features that stand out:
– Under 9 lbs. Ultra-Lightweight: Incredibly easy to maneuver and carry.
– Converts to Handheld Vacuum: Offers versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
– Powerful Corded Cleaning: Consistent suction for carpets and hard floors.
– Never Loses Suction or Power: Reliable performance throughout use.
– Swivel Steering: Excellent control and maneuverability.
– Easy-Empty Dust Cup: Quick and simple debris disposal.
– Included Tools: Upholstery Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, and Crevice Tool.

Pros:
– Exceptional power and suction for a lightweight vacuum.
– Extremely versatile, functioning as both stick and handheld.
– Corded power means no worries about battery life.
– Great maneuverability with swivel steering.
– Long warranty offers peace of mind.

Cons:
– The cord can sometimes get in the way during cleaning.

Best for: Those who need consistent, powerful suction for both carpets and hard floors, value versatility, and prefer not to deal with battery charging.

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Handheld

For those sudden spills and quick tidies, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean is your go-to. This compact, cordless handheld vacuum is designed for instant action. Its lithium-ion battery provides high power suction for efficient clean-ups in the kitchen, on furniture, or in your car. It’s incredibly lightweight and portable, making it super easy to grab and use. We particularly appreciate its built-in crevice tool, which effortlessly reaches those annoying crumbs between couch cushions or dust on shelves. It’s a simple, reliable tool for maintaining a tidy space without much fuss.

Key features that stand out:
– Lithium-Ion Battery: Delivers high power suction for quick clean-ups.
– Cordless Convenience: Portable and lightweight for use around the home and vehicle.
– Multi-Surface Use: Ideal for kitchen spills, pet hair, car interiors, and furniture.
– Built-in Crevice Tool: Accesses hard-to-reach areas easily.
– Compact Design: Easy to store and grab for immediate messes.

Pros:
– Very lightweight and easy to handle.
– Excellent for quick, small messes and spot cleaning.
– Cordless design offers freedom of movement.
– Built-in crevice tool is very convenient.

Cons:
– May not have the sustained power for larger or tougher messes.

Best for: Small spills, car interiors, pet hair touch-ups, and anyone needing a basic, grab-and-go handheld for everyday immediate messes.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When you’re looking for the best small vacuum, you’ll notice there are a few main types. We’ve seen uprights like the Bissell CleanView, versatile stick/handheld combos like the Bissell Featherweight and Shark Rocket, and dedicated handhelds such as the BLACK+DECKER dustbusters. Each offers distinct advantages.

For sheer power and consistent performance without worrying about battery life, corded models often offer consistent, strong power. The Shark Rocket is a prime example, providing powerful suction that never fades. However, the cord can sometimes be a hindrance, especially if you’re cleaning multiple rooms or a vehicle.

On the other hand, cordless convenience is hard to beat for quick spills and areas far from an outlet. The BLACK+DECKER dustbusters excel here, offering grab-and-go simplicity. But remember, cordless models rely on battery life, which might limit longer cleaning sessions.

If versatility is key, the Bissell Featherweight and Shark Rocket truly stand out. They transform from a stick vacuum for floors to a handheld for upholstery or stairs. The Bissell CleanView is unique as a compact upright, offering a more traditional vacuuming experience in a much lighter form factor, particularly great for hard floors with its anti-scatter tech.

Consider weight and maneuverability too. All the options we reviewed are lightweight, making them much easier to use than traditional full-sized vacuums. For cleaning in tight spaces or under furniture, swivel steering (like on the Shark Rocket) makes a huge difference. For tiny, immediate clean-ups, a handheld like the AdvancedClean dustbuster with its array of tools is incredibly practical.

Finally, think about ease of emptying and maintenance. Most of these small vacuums feature bagless designs and easy-empty dirt cups. Some, like the AdvancedClean dustbuster, even have washable filters, which can save you money and keep your vacuum performing its best.

Final Verdict

Choosing the absolute best small vacuum really boils down to your personal cleaning habits and specific needs. If you’re tackling quick, everyday messes across various surfaces, a versatile 2-in-1 stick/handheld like the Bissell Featherweight or the ultra-powerful Shark Rocket would be an excellent choice; the Shark offering more sustained power for larger areas or deeper cleaning of pet hair and carpets.

For those who prioritize absolute freedom and want to tackle everything from car interiors to couch crumbs without being tethered to an outlet, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean is a phenomenal cordless option with great suction and a comprehensive set of tools. If you just need a super quick, grab-and-go solution for small spills and touch-ups, the simpler BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean fits the bill perfectly. And if you have a smaller home, dorm, or mostly hard floors and love the traditional upright feel but need something extremely light and pet-friendly, the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright delivers powerful, scatter-free results. Ultimately, each of these small vacuums brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring there’s a compact cleaning solution for every home and every mess.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What makes a vacuum the best small vacuum for an apartment?
A: The best small vacuum for an apartment is typically one that’s lightweight, compact for easy storage, and versatile enough to handle both hard floors and any rugs you might have. Models that convert from stick to handheld (like the Bissell Featherweight or Shark Rocket) or powerful handhelds (like the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean) are usually excellent choices.

Q2: Are small vacuums powerful enough for pet hair?
A: Yes, many small vacuums are surprisingly powerful and effective at picking up pet hair. Look for models with strong suction, like the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light or the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean, which specifically mentions tackling pet hair. Attachments like a brush tool can also greatly assist with pet hair removal from upholstery.

Q3: Should I get a corded or cordless small vacuum?
A: It depends on your priorities. Corded small vacuums (like the Shark Rocket) offer consistent, strong suction without worrying about battery life, making them great for larger areas or longer cleaning sessions. Cordless small vacuums (like the BLACK+DECKER dustbusters) provide unmatched portability and convenience for quick spills and cleaning hard-to-reach areas like cars, but they have limited battery runtimes.

Q4: How often should I empty my small vacuum’s dirt cup?
A: It’s best practice to empty your small vacuum’s dirt cup after every use, or when it looks about two-thirds full. This helps maintain optimal suction power and prevents debris from impacting the filter, ensuring your best small vacuum performs efficiently every time.

Q5: Can a small vacuum replace a full-sized one?
A: For many homes, especially apartments or those with mostly hard floors and light carpet, a powerful and versatile small vacuum can absolutely replace a full-sized one for daily maintenance. However, for deep cleaning thick carpets, very large homes, or tackling extremely heavy debris, a full-sized vacuum might still be necessary occasionally.

Q6: What attachments are most useful for a small vacuum?
A: The most useful attachments for a small vacuum often include a crevice tool for tight spaces (like between couch cushions), a brush tool for dusting and upholstery, and a floor nozzle for different surface types. The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean and Shark Rocket both come with a good range of versatile tools.

Q7: What’s the main difference between a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum?
A: A stick vacuum is designed primarily for floor cleaning and typically has a long handle, resembling a lightweight upright. A handheld vacuum is much smaller, meant to be held in your hand for spot cleaning messes on surfaces like furniture, countertops, or in cars. Many modern “small vacuums” are hybrid stick vacuums that can convert into handhelds, offering the best of both worlds.