5 Best Vacuum for Apartments Reviewed for 2025

Living in an apartment often means dealing with less space, whether it’s for living or for storing cleaning tools. Trust me, I’ve been there! I remember trying to maneuver a bulky, old vacuum cleaner in my first tiny studio, constantly bumping into furniture and struggling to store it in an already packed closet. It was a nightmare. That’s why finding the best vacuum for apartments isn’t just about cleaning power; it’s about smart design, maneuverability, and a compact footprint. You need something that tackles everyday messes efficiently without taking up half your precious living space. In this guide, I’ve put together a hands-on review of five top-rated vacuum cleaners that are perfect for apartment living, comparing their features and benefits to help you pick the right one for your home. Let’s dive in and find your next apartment cleaning hero!

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm…	View on Amazon
	Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…	View on Amazon
	Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner…	View on Amazon
	Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with…	View on Amazon
	Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…	View on Amazon

Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm…

This little upright powerhouse from Bissell truly surprised me with its capability despite its small stature. It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing less than 8 pounds, which makes zipping around furniture and carrying it between rooms an absolute breeze. What I really appreciate is its Scatter-Free Technology, which is a godsend on my hard floors – no more pushing debris around instead of sucking it up! Plus, it has genuinely powerful suction for such a compact unit, picking up everything from crumbs to pet hair with ease. The easy-empty dirt container is super convenient; you just push a button, and the mess is gone, keeping your hands clean. And as a bonus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which is a big win for pet lovers!

Key features that stand out:
– Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighs less than 8 pounds, incredibly easy to transport.
– Scatter-Free Technology: Captures messes on hard floors effectively with less scatter.
– Powerful Suction: Provides strong cleaning performance in a compact machine.
– Easy Empty Dirt Container: Simple, push-button emptying for hassle-free disposal.

Pros:
– Very lightweight and easy to carry
– Excellent on hard floors, reducing scatter
– Good suction power for its size
– Supports a good cause (pet foundation)

Cons:
– Might not have the same deep carpet cleaning as larger, heavier uprights.

Best for: Small apartments, dorm rooms, homes with a mix of hard floors and low-pile carpets, and pet owners.

Expert Opinion: This Bissell CleanView Compact is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing ease of use and portability without sacrificing decent cleaning power. Its hard floor performance is a real highlight, and the pet-friendly mission makes it even more appealing.

Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…

The Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright feels like a significant step up in cleaning prowess while still being manageable for apartment living. What really catches my attention here is the Upgraded Cyclone System, which adeptly handles everything from larger debris to fine dust, leaving floors noticeably cleaner. It claims to penetrate deep into carpets, and from what I’ve seen, it genuinely extracts embedded dirt and pet hair effectively. Despite its powerful pickup, it remains surprisingly lightweight, making it less of a chore to use. With 5 height settings, you can easily transition from plush rugs to bare floors without losing suction or scratching surfaces. It also comes with multiple on-board accessories like a crevice tool and dusting brush, which are super handy for cleaning upholstery, curtains, or even getting into tight corners.

Key features that stand out:
– Upgraded Cyclone System: Effectively handles large debris, small dirt, and microscopic dust.
– Powerful Pick-up: Penetrates deep into carpets to extract embedded dirt.
– 5 Height Settings: Versatile for various floor types, including carpet, shag rugs, and hard floors.
– Multiple Accessories Included: On-board crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for comprehensive cleaning.

Pros:
– Strong suction for both carpets and hard floors
– Cyclone system improves dirt separation
– Versatile with multiple height settings
– Convenient on-board tools for detailed cleaning

Cons:
– Requires regular roller brush cleaning to prevent clogging.

Best for: Apartments with mixed flooring (carpets and hard floors), pet owners needing deep cleaning, and those who appreciate versatile attachments.

Expert Opinion: This Eureka model strikes a great balance between power and portability for apartment dwellers. Its ability to tackle deep carpet dirt and its robust cyclone system make it a strong contender for those with varied flooring types.

Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner…

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a fantastic contender for the title of best vacuum for apartments, especially if you’re looking for something that’s both powerful and incredibly light. Weighing in at only 7.7 pounds, it’s practically featherlight, making it a joy to carry around, up stairs, or simply move from room to room. Despite its light build, it offers powerful all-floor suction, making quick work of dirt and pet hair on both hard floors and carpets with its 10.5” wide cleaning path. I love the quick-release handle that easily transforms into an extension wand for above-floor cleaning, perfect for those high shelves or dusty curtains. Maintenance is a breeze too, thanks to its washable filter, saving you money on replacements and making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Key features that stand out:
– Powerful All Floor Suction: Effectively cleans dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets.
– Quick Release Handle for Above Floor Cleaning: Easily attach tools for upholstery, windows, and high spots.
– Lightweight & Easy Storage: Weighs only 7.7 pounds and compact for convenient storage.
– Washable Filter: Eco-friendly and cost-effective, no need for regular filter replacements.

Pros:
– Exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver
– Strong suction across all floor types
– Convenient quick-release handle for versatile cleaning
– Washable filter reduces ongoing costs

Cons:
– Its small size might mean a slightly smaller dust cup capacity than bulkier models.

Best for: Anyone needing an extremely lightweight and compact vacuum, small apartments, seniors, and those with pet hair on mixed surfaces.

Expert Opinion: For sheer ease of use and portability, the Eureka NEU10AE5 is hard to beat. Its impressive suction for its weight class, combined with the washable filter, makes it a highly practical and economical choice for apartment living.

Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum with…

When it comes to versatility and extreme compactness, the Bissell Featherweight Stick is truly a standout. This isn’t just a stick vacuum; it’s three machines in one: a stick vacuum for floors, a handle vacuum for stairs, and a handheld vacuum for quick spot cleans and upholstery. The design is ingenious for apartment dwellers, allowing you to tackle a variety of tasks without needing multiple devices. Its powerful suction makes it surprisingly effective for quick pickups on both hard floors and surface dirt on low-pile carpets. I found the crevice tool particularly useful for getting into tight spots around furniture, making it a great tool for detailed cleaning in smaller spaces. It’s also bagless, with a decent 0.67-liter dirt cup capacity, making cleanup simple and mess-free.

Key features that stand out:
– Versatile Cleaning Three Machines in One: Functions as a stick, handle, and stair/handheld vacuum.
– Powerful Suction: Great for quick pickups on hard floors and surface dirt on carpets.
– Crevice Tool and Floor Nozzle: Excellent for furniture, stairs, and tight spaces.
– Bagless Design: Easy-to-empty dirt cup for convenient disposal.

Pros:
– Extremely versatile with 3-in-1 functionality
– Lightweight and easy to store in small apartments
– Good suction for quick everyday messes
– Affordable and practical for small spaces

Cons:
– Not designed for deep carpet cleaning or very large debris.

Best for: Tiny apartments, dorms, quick daily cleanups, hard floors, low-pile carpets, and anyone needing a highly versatile, compact tool.

Expert Opinion: The Bissell Featherweight Stick is a fantastic minimalist option for apartment residents. Its 3-in-1 design is incredibly practical, offering convenience and decent power for routine cleaning in compact living spaces.

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…

The Eureka PowerSpeed (this specific model) truly impressed me with its heavyweight cleaning performance in an ultra-light upright package. At just 10 pounds, it’s remarkably easy to carry up stairs and navigate around furniture, which is a big plus in an apartment building. What sets this one apart is its robust 960-watt motor, providing consistent, strong suction across multiple floor types, from hardwood to thick area rugs. No more adjusting settings or switching tools when moving from the living room carpet to the kitchen tiles! The extra-large 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer trips to the trash can, letting you clean your whole apartment without interruption. And for pet owners, the Pet-Ready Attachments Onboard, including a Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush, are a game-changer for tackling fur.

Key features that stand out:
– Lightweight Yet Powerful: Delivers strong cleaning at just 10 pounds.
– Strong Suction Across Surfaces: 960-watt motor ensures consistent power on all floor types.
– Extra-Large Dust Cup (2.6-liter): Fewer empties for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
– Pet-Ready Attachments Onboard: Includes a Pet Turbo Brush for effective pet hair removal.

Pros:
– Excellent suction power for an upright
– Very effective on pet hair with specialized attachments
– Large dust cup capacity reduces emptying frequency
– Lightweight and easy to maneuver for its power level

Cons:
– While lightweight for an upright, it’s not as compact as stick vacuums.

Best for: Apartments with pets, mixed flooring types (especially medium to thick carpets), and those who need robust cleaning power without excessive weight.

Expert Opinion: If you’ve got pets and a variety of flooring in your apartment, this Eureka PowerSpeed is a top-tier choice. It combines the deep cleaning power you need with a lightweight design and features specifically tailored for effective pet hair removal, making it a strong contender for the best vacuum for apartments with furry friends.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When looking for the best vacuum for apartments, you’ll notice a clear distinction in design and purpose. Our reviewed models showcase this perfectly.

For instance, the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright and the Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright are both excellent choices for those prioritizing extreme lightness and maneuverability. They’re both under 8 pounds, making them incredibly easy to lift and store. However, the Eureka NEU10AE5 stands out for its washable filter and quick-release handle, offering slightly more versatility for above-floor cleaning without extra costs. The Bissell CleanView is great for hard floors with its scatter-free tech, but the NEU10AE5 has a wider cleaning path for faster work.

If you have a lot of carpet or struggle with pet hair, the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright (product #2) and the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright (product #5) are worth comparing. The PowerSpeed (#5) is designed with a more robust 960-watt motor and a larger 2.6-liter dust cup, making it ideal for more demanding cleaning sessions, especially with pets (thanks to its dedicated Pet Turbo Brush). The other Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright (#2) also offers powerful pickup and 5 height settings, but the specific PowerSpeed (#5) offers an even bigger dust cup and a specialized pet brush. They both handle diverse floor types well, but the PowerSpeed (#5) feels like a more purpose-built machine for homes with substantial cleaning needs and pets.

Then there’s the Bissell Featherweight Stick, which is in a league of its own for sheer versatility and compactness. It’s the ultimate space-saver, transforming into a handheld or stair vacuum. While it won’t offer the deep cleaning power of the upright Eurekas, its 3-in-1 design and ease of use make it an incredible option for very small apartments, quick daily tidying, and hard floors where space is the absolute biggest constraint. It’s the most compact option here, perfect if you literally have no closet space.

In essence, if lightweight and nimble is your primary concern, the Bissell CleanView Compact or Eureka NEU10AE5 are strong bets. For serious cleaning power, especially with pets or mixed flooring, the Eureka PowerSpeed models are superior. And for maximum versatility in minimal space, the Bissell Featherweight Stick is the clear winner.

Final Verdict

Choosing the absolute best vacuum for apartments really boils down to your specific needs, the type of flooring you have, and whether you live with furry friends.

• For the Ultra-Compact Apartment: If space is your absolute biggest concern, and you mostly have hard floors or low-pile rugs, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is your champion. Its 3-in-1 design is incredibly practical, and it’s super easy to store.

• For Balanced Power & Portability (General Use): If you want a lightweight upright that handles both hard floors and carpets well without breaking the bank, the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum or the Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner are excellent choices. The NEU10AE5 gets a slight edge for its washable filter and quick-release handle for more versatile above-floor cleaning.

• For Pet Owners & Mixed Flooring: When you need a vacuum that can truly tackle pet hair and embedded dirt on a variety of surfaces, including medium-pile carpets, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner (the one with the 960-watt motor and Pet Turbo Brush) is the top pick. It combines powerful suction with convenient pet-specific features and a large dust cup, making it ideal for more robust cleaning demands.

Ultimately, each of these vacuums offers fantastic benefits for apartment living. Consider your lifestyle, floor types, and storage availability, and you’ll find the perfect match on this list!

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What features should I prioritize when buying the best vacuum for apartments?
A1: For apartment living, prioritize compact size and lightweight design for easy maneuverability and storage. Good suction on both hard floors and carpets is essential. Look for features like bagless operation for convenience, on-board attachments for versatility, and a decent cord length or cordless design.

Q2: Are stick vacuums or upright vacuums better for apartment living?
A2: It depends on your needs. Stick vacuums like the Bissell Featherweight are ideal for very small apartments, quick cleanups, and excellent storage. They’re often 3-in-1, offering handheld functionality. Upright vacuums like the Eureka PowerSpeed provide stronger suction, larger dust bins, and often better deep-cleaning on carpets, making them a better fit for larger apartments or those with more carpeted areas and pets.

Q3: How important is suction power for a vacuum in an apartment?
A3: Suction power is very important, even in a small space. Strong suction ensures that you can effectively pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair from both hard floors and carpets. A powerful motor, like the 960-watt one in the Eureka PowerSpeed, makes a noticeable difference in cleaning efficiency.

Q4: Do I need special attachments for an apartment vacuum?
A4: Yes, attachments are incredibly useful in apartments! A crevice tool is vital for tight corners and between furniture. A dusting brush is great for shelves and blinds, and an upholstery tool or pet turbo brush (if you have pets) will help keep your furniture clean. On-board storage for these tools is a bonus for convenience.

Q5: What’s the best vacuum for apartments with pets?
A5: For apartments with pets, look for vacuums with strong suction specifically designed for pet hair, and ideally, a pet turbo brush attachment. The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright (#5) reviewed here is an excellent example, as it combines high power with specialized pet-ready tools.

Q6: How often should I vacuum my apartment?
A6: Generally, it’s recommended to vacuum your apartment at least once a week. If you have pets, allergies, or high foot traffic, you might want to vacuum two to three times a week, or even daily for quick spot cleans with a lightweight stick or handheld vacuum.

Q7: Can a bagless vacuum save me money in the long run?
A7: Yes, a bagless vacuum can definitely save you money over time. You won’t have to constantly purchase replacement bags. However, ensure the bagless model has an easy-to-empty dust bin and ideally a washable filter, like the Eureka NEU10AE5, to minimize ongoing maintenance costs and keep the vacuum performing optimally.