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The 10 Best Vacuums for Stairs in 2024 {Expert Reviews}

Best Vacuum for Stairs - BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex VacuumApart from vacuuming crevices and under furniture, stairs pose the other great challenge. Cleaning stairs is really difficult especially if you have a heavy vacuum. To vacuum your stairs well, whether carpeted, hardwood or tiled, you need a lightweight or a handheld vacuum. Today, we take you through our picks in the Best Vacuum for Stairs category.

Most vacuums will do a good job for non-carpeted stairs (hardwood or tiled). However, if your stairs are carpeted, it is advisable to go with one that has a motorized brush. This helps agitate any dirt that’s hiding in the fibers so that the vacuum can suck it in. So, you can go for any type of vacuum – stick, upright, canister, or handheld so long as it can do a good job. Of course, robot vacuums will only do a good job for flat surfaces.

Best Vacuum for Stairs 2024 – Comparison Chart

Before we get into more details, these are the top 10 best vacuums for stairs 2024:

Best Vacuum for StairsWeightCorded/Cordless?Bagged/Bagless?
1. Eureka EasyClean 71B
(Best Corded Handheld Vacuum for Stairs)
5 lbsCordedBagless
2. Dyson V7 Trigger
(Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum for Stairs)
3.77 lbsCordlessBagless
3. Shark Navigator Lift Away NV352
(Best Upright Vacuum for Stairs)
12.5 lbsCordlessBagless
4. Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251
(Best Stick Vacuum for Stairs)
3.8 lbsCordlessBagless
5. Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122
(Best Canister Vacuum for Stairs)
12.5 lbsCordedBagged
6. BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex Vacuum6.77 lbsCordlessBagless
7. Shark Rocket HV2923.7 lbsCordedBagless
8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum 33A15 lbsCordedBagless
9. Oreck Ultimate Handheld Bagged Canister Vacuum CC16005 lbsCordedBagged
10. Hoover Air BH52160PC2.1 lbsCordlessBagless

First, we will take a look at the features and specifications of our top 10 picks. Then, we’ll delve into a bit of what you need to know before you buy a vacuum for your stairs.

Best Vacuum for Stairs 2024 – Expert Reviews

If you have stairs, you need to pay extra attention to them as they can be havens for dust, dirt, and debris. These are the best vacuums for stairs in 2024:

1. Eureka EasyClean 71B – best corded handheld vacuum for stairs

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Eureka EasyClean 71B

At about 5 pounds in weight, the Eureka EasyClean 71B is also a great choice for vacuuming stairs. Apart from being lightweight and easily portable, there are also other features that make it a perfect fit for stairs.

First, it has a motorized brush with an on/off switch. This ensures that you can clean both carpeted and bare stairs thoroughly. If your stairs are carpeted, just turn on the motorized brush. The brush agitates dirt hiding within the carpet’s fiber, and the strong suction takes care of the rest. There are two motors – one is for the brush while the other is for suction.

The vacuum’s exclusive Riser Visor system is ideal for stairs.

Vacuuming Carpeted Stairs - Best Vacuum for Stairs - Eureka EasyClean 71B

Also, this hand vacuum has a filter as well as a dust canister that is easy to empty. The cord is 20 feet long. So, you can easily vacuum the stairs especially if there is a power socket nearby. However, if it is a bit further, you can use an extension cable.

Features summary:

  • Corded (20-foot cord)
  • Bagless
  • Lightweight (about 5 pounds)
  • Powerful suction
  • Motorized brush
  • Easy to empty dust canister
  • Has two motors
  • Crevice tool
  • Multi-floor cleaning
  • Also great for cars
  • 1-year manufacturer warranty with a money-back guarantee

Click here to see its current price.

2. Dyson V7 Trigger – best cordless handheld vacuum for stairs

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Dyson V7 Trigger

Dyson has produced numerous vacuums over the years. One thing that stands out is the powerful suction, regardless of the type of vacuum. The Dyson V7 Trigger, for example, is powered by the Dyson digital motor V7. Alongside fade-free lithium-ion batteries, the pump helps the vacuum to maintain a strong suction.

This hand vac is quite portable and that adds to its credibility as an ideal vacuum for stairs. At about 3.7 pounds, it is lightweight making it easy to lift and move around. Also, the fact that it is cordless reduces all the stress of getting extension cables especially when the staircase is long, or if there are multiple staircases.

All these features make it a fantastic option if you have stairs in your home. For carpeted stairs, the V7 trigger does a great job if you use the powered rotating brush. Once you’re done, emptying this Dyson vacuum is a walk in the park. There is a hygienic dirt ejector which ensures that your hands don’t get dirty in the process.

Features summary:

  • Cordless
  • Bagless
  • Weight: 3.77 lbs.
  • Powerful suction (Dyson digital motor V7)
  • Fade-free suction up to 30 minutes
  • Captures particles as tiny as 0.5 microns
  • Hygienic dirt ejector
  • Mini motorized tool for pet hair and ground-in dirt
  • Combination tool
  • Crevice tool
  • 2-year warranty (labor and parts)

Click here to see the current price of the Dyson V7 Trigger.

3. Shark Navigator Lift Away NV352 – best upright vacuum for stairs

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Bagless

The Shark Navigator NV352 is also great with stairs. This is because it is lightweight, has a powerful suction and has the lift-away feature. At the press of a button, you can lift the canister away and clean the stairs more conveniently.

It also has a brushroll shutoff button. This helps to easily switch between carpeted and other types of stairs. However, it does not have a pet power brush. If you need it, you have to buy it separately. Nonetheless, it still does a marvelous job on stairs.

Also, if you or anyone in the house suffers from allergies, this is a fantastic option. It employs an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology alongside a HEPA filter to get rid of up to 99.9 percent of dust, debris, and other allergens.

Features summary:

  • Corded (25-foot cord)
  • Bagless
  • Powerful suction from its 10 amp motor
  • Canister lift-away feature
  • Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
  • HEPA filter
  • Weight: 12.5 lbs.
  • Brushroll shutoff
  • Wide pet upholstery tool
  • Dusting brush and crevice tool
  • No pet power brush
  • Swivel steering for excellent control

Click here to see the current price of the Shark Navigator NV352.

4. Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251 – best stick vacuum for stairs

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251

Next, we have another Shark vacuum in the best vacuum for stairs list. As you may be aware, Shark is among the world’s leading vacuum companies. And you will rarely be disappointed if you decide to pick any of their products. The Shark IONFlex IF251 is not an exception. It’s amazing with stairs because it is lightweight (3.8 lbs.) among other features.

The best thing about this vacuum is the DuoClean technology. It has a bristle brush that is essential for deep cleaning carpets. Also, there is a soft brush roll that pulls in large particles thus giving the floor a polished look. So, this vacuum is ideal for carpeted and non-carpeted stairs alike. Actually, you can convert it to a hand vacuum for easier cleaning.

The vacuum also uses a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. There are 2 rechargeable batteries so that you can continue vacuuming while the other one charges.

Features summary:

  • Cordless
  • Bagless
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs.
  • Dust cup capacity: 0.3 dry quarts
  • 2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
  • DuoClean technology
  • MultiFlex technology
  • Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
  • Washable foam filters
  • LED headlights
  • Can be converted to a hand vacuum
  • Accessories: crevice tool, dusting brush, anti-allergen dust brush, wide upholstery tool
  • 5-year limited warranty

Click here to see the current price of the Shark IONFlex IF251.

5. Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122 – best canister vacuum for stairs

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122

The Bissell 4122 has been picked as the best canister vacuum for stairs because of its capability to work on all kinds of stairs properly, including carpeted ones. It is not only compact and lightweight but also has powerful suction.

Convenience is a huge plus. The vacuum has carry handle which makes it easy to move up and down the staircase. Also, the cord automatically rewinds at the push of a button for quick storage. For optimal performance, it is advisable to change the bag once it is about half full. When dealing with carpeted stairs, always engage the carpet brush on the floor nozzle.

Features summary:

  • Bagged
  • Corded (17-foot cord)
  • Weight: 12.5 lbs.
  • Powerful suction (10 amps motor)
  • Variable suction control
  • Multi-floor cleaning
  • Cleaning path width: 10.3 inch
  • Automatic cord rewind
  • Full bag indicator
  • Telescoping wand

Click here to see its current price.

6. BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex Vacuum

Best Vacuum for Stairs - BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex Vacuum

BLACK+DECKER has been making home appliances for quite a while and has not disappointed with the versatile BDH2020FLFH. This vacuum is in the best vacuum for stairs category because of its power and efficiency. Whether you have carpeted or non-carpeted stairs, expect a brilliant performance from this product.

The fact that it is cordless, lightweight and compact makes it easily portable. So, if you have a long staircase or a number of them, you don’t need to worry. You can move it up the stairs as you clean without the need for extension cables.

This vacuum uses a lithium-ion battery. Once you charge it on the charging station, you can get a continuous, strong suction power until you get done with the task. Also, among the attachments that come with the vacuum is a flip-up dusting brush. This should help agitate any dirt trapped in carpeted stairs, making it easy for the vacuum to suck it up.

Apart from cleaning the stairs, the BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH can also vacuum everything from the floors, ceilings, shelves, fans, cars and other hard-to-reach areas. A pet brush tool comes in handy if you have pets that leave hair all over.

Lastly, the dirt bowl and filter are easy to empty, removable and washable. The vacuum employs cyclonic action to spin dust and debris away from the filter in order to maintain high performance as you vacuum.

Features summary:

  • Ultra-compact
  • Cordless
  • Bagless
  • Lightweight: 6.77 lbs.
  • 4-foot flexible hose
  • Washable bowl and filter
  • 3-stage filtration system
  • Strong suction power (24 Air Watts)
  • 20 volts max lithium-ion battery
  • Quick-charging duration: 4 hours
  • Charging base
  • Attachments: stick vacuum floor head, pet hair brush, 2-in-1 nozzle/brush tool, long crevice tool

Click here to see the current price of the BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH.

7. Shark Rocket HV292

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Shark Rocket HV292

Another lightweight vacuum to consider for your stairs is the Shark Rocket HV292. It weighs less than 4 pounds, making it easily portable and therefore great for stairs. It has a 15-foot power cord. So, if your staircase is longer or there’s no power socket nearby, you may need to use an extension cord.

Its powerful suction is maintained as long as you need to get the job done. This handheld vacuum also has a TruePet motorized brush for deep cleaning, especially when it comes to carpeted stairs. A crevice tool is also available in case there’s any dust trapped in the joints/cracks.

The dust cup is also easy to empty. You only need to press the release button and you’re done. The vacuum also has filters that are washable and re-usable. The fact that there are no bags and the filters are reusable helps avoid maintenance costs.

Features summary:

  • Corded (15-foot cord)
  • Bagless
  • Powerful suction
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs.
  • Easy to empty dust cup
  • Washable filters
  • TruePet motorized brush
  • 12-inch crevice tool
  • Extended-reach stretch hose
  • 400 Watts of power

To see how much the Shark Rocket HV292 costs, click here.

8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum 33A1

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum 33A1

This is another small, ultra-light, highly portable hand vacuum to consider for your stairs. It only weighs 5 pounds. It also has an easy-grip handle which makes it easier to hold as you move up or down the stairs. An added positive is a cord-wrap system that enhances its portability and makes storage easier.

With two specially designed nozzles, this hand vacuum is great for pet owners. First, the hard nozzle picks up dry messes such as kitty litter and pet food. On the other hand, its contour nozzle helps to get rid of any pet hair. In addition, the vacuum employs a multi-layer filtration system which keeps your air cleaner by removing allergens.

Features summary:

  • Corded (16-foot cord)
  • Bagless
  • Power rating: 4 amps
  • Multi-layer filtration system
  • Cyclonic cleaning system
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Contour nozzle
  • Hard nozzle
  • Dirt cup capacity:0.78 liters
  • 1-year limited warranty

Click here to see the current price of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1.

9. Oreck Ultimate Handheld Bagged Canister Vacuum CC1600

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Oreck Ultimate Handheld Bagged Canister Vacuum CC1600

The Oreck CC1600 is also a great option for stairs. It is lightweight (5 pounds) and has a strong suction power. To make it even easier to carry around as you vacuum, it has a two-setting strap. You can carry the vacuum by hand or over the shoulder. Also, a 20-foot cord should be long enough for your stairs. However, if the stairs are longer or if the power socket is far, you can use an extension cable.

Another important feature is HEPA filtration that keeps allergens from the air. So, if there’s anyone allergic at home, this could be a welcome option. Just like in any bagged vacuum, please note that it is advisable to change the bag when it is about half full. This ensures that its performance is optimal over the course of the task.

Features summary:

  • Corded (20-foot cord)
  • Bagged
  • Lightweight: 5 lbs.
  • Easily portable with two-setting strap
  • 60-inch hose
  • HEPA filter
  • Powerful motor
  • Easy to access bag door
  • Large floor tool
  • Telescoping extension wand, upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool
  • 3-year limited warranty

Click here to see how much the Oreck Ultimate CC1600 costs.

10. Hoover Air BH52160PC

Best Vacuum for Stairs - Hoover Air BH52160PC

This Hoover handheld vacuum is another great option for stairs. It is small, compact and lightweight while at the same time powerful enough to get rid of dust, debris from your stairs. At only 2.1 pounds in weight, you can easily go up and down the stairs as the powered turbo tool powerfully picks up dirt and from the stairs. A crevice tool is also available for tight spots on the stairway.

It also has an easy to empty dirt 0.7-liter dirt cup. In addition, its filter is long-lasting and can be washed using running water.

The Hoover Air BH52160PC uses a 20V LithiumLife Battery System. This ensures that enough suction power is maintained as you vacuum the stairs. Also, the battery is interchangeable, so the vacuum can use any battery used in any other Hoover product.

Vacuuming Carpeted Stairs - Best Vacuum for Stairs - Hoover Air BH52160PC

Features summary:

  • Cordless
  • Bagless
  • Weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Fade-free, 20 Volt Lithium-ion Battery
  • Dirt cup capacity: 0.7 liters
  • Powered turbo tool for hair
  • Reusable easy rinse filter
  • Crevice tool
  • 2-year warranty

Click here to see the latest price of the Hoover Air BH52160PC handheld vacuum.

Best Vacuum for Stairs – 2024 Buying Guide

There a few things you need to consider before settling on a particular vacuum for your stairs. Here is a quick overview of 7 things you need to consider before buying a vacuum for stairs:

i. Weight (portability)

Nobody wants to drag a 20-pound vacuum up the steps as they vacuum. It’s even worse if you have more than one staircase to deal with. So, you should get something that is light enough for you. Most of the vacuums featured in this article are lightweight and should not give you a hard time. For example, the Hoover Air BH52160PC weighs just 2.1 pounds.

ii. Type of vacuum

We won’t be telling you that a handheld vacuum is better than a stick vacuum or a canister vacuum. This is down to your own taste and preference. Personally, I prefer a hand vacuum. On the other hand, my sister prefers a canister vacuum and it still does a brilliant job. So, pick what you prefer in terms of design so that you do the job without any regrets. Just ensure you pick the best of whatever design you prefer.

iii. Corded vs cordless

Both have their pros and cons. Cordless vacuums do not restrict you to a particular area. You can vacuum freely, and this is essential especially if you have multiple staircases. On the other hand, cordless vacuums will naturally run out of charge after some time. However, corded vacuums are on power throughout and should give service as long as you need. If the cord is too short, you can use an extension cable.

iv. Bagged vs bagless

Whether the vacuum is bagged or bagless is also a personal preference. It does not make one vacuum worse or better than the other. For a bagless vacuum, you just need to open the dust cup and empty the dirt into the trash. On the other hand, for a bagged vacuum, you need to change the bag once it gets 1/2 to 2/3 full in order to maintain optimal performance.

v. Attachments

Attachments are critical in any vacuum. For staircase vacuuming, there are two tools that are vital. First, a dusting brush is important to stir up the dirt for the vacuum to suck it up. Secondly, a crevice tool is necessary to help you get any dirt hidden in crevices along the staircase.

vi. Type of stairs

Generally, hardwood or tiled stairs do not pose a huge challenge. So, an easily portable vacuum with powerful suction will do a great job. However, if you have carpeted stairs, you need a vacuum with a brush roll. This ensures that the carpet is cleaned thoroughly.

vii. HEPA filtration

This is not absolutely necessary. However, if you or anyone in the house suffers from allergies, then a vacuum with HEPA filtration complements your efforts of ensuring that the air is clean. Even if you have an air purifier, it there is no harm in getting additional help. A good HEPA filter should prevent up to 99.97% of allergens from getting back into the air as you vacuum.

Best Vacuum for Stairs 2024 – Final Thoughts

When it comes to cleaning the house, stairs are among the most difficult areas. Vacuuming stairs is quite challenging, especially if you have a very heavy vacuum. The solution is to look for a good vacuum for stairs that is easy to move around.

In this article, we have reviewed the best vacuums for stairs. The type of vacuum you pick depends on your own preference. However, we have selected the best vacuum for stairs in each category. These include the best corded handheld vacuum for stairs, the best cordless handheld vacuum for stairs, the best upright vacuum for stairs, the best stick vacuum for stairs and the best canister vacuum for stairs.

We really invested a lot of time in the quest for the best choices. Therefore, whichever you decide to go for, we are confident that you will get the best bang for your buck.

In summary, these are the best vacuums for stairs in 2024:

  1. Eureka EasyClean 71B
  2. Dyson V7 Trigger
  3. Shark Navigator Lift Away NV352
  4. Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251
  5. Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122
  6. BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex Vacuum
  7. Shark Rocket HV292
  8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum 33A1
  9. Oreck Ultimate Handheld Bagged Canister Vacuum CC1600
  10. Hoover Air BH52160PC

Here’s how to clean carpeted stairs with vacuum cleaners (YouTube video courtesy of Raghav Arora):

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