Top 7 Best Vacuum For Small Apartments

Top 7 Best Vacuum For Small Apartments

The best vacuums for small apartments are lightweight, easy to store, and powerful enough for everyday messes, with top contenders including the Bissell Featherweight Stick, the Bissell CleanView Compact, and the Intercleaner 12 in 1 Stick.

Living in a compact space doesn’t mean sacrificing cleanliness; the right vacuum can make a significant difference in maintaining a dust-free and allergen-reduced home. Prioritizing maneuverability and effective suction ensures you can tackle floors, stairs, and tight corners without a struggle.

We’ve sifted through numerous options to bring you our top 7 picks, rigorously tested for performance and convenience in smaller living areas. Our evaluation focused on key factors like suction power, weight, noise level, and storage solutions, ensuring each recommendation is a viable solution for apartment dwellers. All our featured vacuums come in at an accessible price point, making them budget-friendly choices. Read on for our detailed comparison to find the perfect fit for your home.

3 Standout Picks: Overall Value Pick, Apartment Cleaning, and Multi-Surface Cleaning

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
Bissell Featherweight Stick
Bissell Featherweight Stick
Overall Value Pick★4.4
  • 3-in-1 design
  • Ultra-lightweight (under 4 lbs)
  • Powerful suction
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#2
Bissell CleanView Compact
Bissell CleanView Compact
Apartment Cleaning★4.4
  • Powerful suction
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Extension wand included
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#3
Intercleaner 12 in 1 Stick
Intercleaner 12 in 1 Stick
Multi-Surface Cleaning★4.2
  • 12-in-1 multifunctionality
  • 15KPa powerful suction
  • Lightweight at 3 lbs
Check Price on Amazon→
#4
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight
Affordable Upright★4.3
  • Powerful all-floor suction
  • Lightweight at 7.7 lbs
  • Washable filter
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#6
Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik
Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik
Quick Spot Cleaning★4.3
  • 3-in-1 functionality
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Rinsable filter
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#7
Amazon Basics 2-in-1 Stick
Amazon Basics 2-in-1 Stick
Budget-Conscious Cleaners★4.1
  • Converts to handheld
  • Lightweight at 3.9 lbs
  • Washable filter
Check Price on Amazon→

7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Bissell Featherweight Stick

Bissell Featherweight Stick
Ultra-Lightweight
Design
3-in-1
Versatility
Powerful
Suction
Overall Value Pick
90
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
9.5
Portability
9.8
Ease of Use
9.2
Suction Power
8.5
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You’ll be impressed by the Bissell Featherweight Stick vacuum’s incredible versatility and lightweight design, making it a standout choice for small apartments. It seamlessly transforms into an upright stick, hand vacuum, or stair vacuum, handling quick pickups on various surfaces like hard floors and low-pile carpets. Weighing less than 4 pounds, it’s exceptionally easy to carry and maneuver, reaching under furniture and into tight corners without strain. The included crevice tool is perfect for detailed cleaning.

While this vacuum excels at surface cleaning and convenience, its dustbin capacity is relatively small, requiring frequent emptying during longer cleaning sessions. It’s not designed for deep cleaning or heavily soiled carpets. However, for its price and portability, it offers exceptional value and is perfect for daily tidying and maintaining a clean living space in apartments or dorms.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and easy to handle
  • Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
  • Excellent value for the price

Cons

  • Small dustbin capacity
  • Limited deep cleaning capability
  • Cord length is average

Specifications

Brand
Bissell
Model
Featherweight Stick 20334
Weight
2.6 pounds
Capacity
0.67 liter
Power Source
Corded
Form Factor
Stick
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#2. Bissell CleanView Compact

Bissell CleanView Compact
Compact
Design
Powerful
Suction
Lightweight
Maneuverability
Apartment Cleaning
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Suction Power
9.0
Portability
9.2
Ease of Use
8.8
Durability
8.5
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You’ll appreciate the Bissell CleanView Compact for its ability to tackle everyday messes in smaller living spaces. Its powerful suction, combined with scatter-free technology, ensures effective cleaning on both hard floors and carpets without making a mess. The lightweight design, under 8 pounds, makes it incredibly easy to maneuver and store, perfect for apartments or dorm rooms. Plus, the removable extension wand gives you the flexibility to clean above-floor surfaces and tight corners with ease.

While this vacuum offers great performance for its size, some users might find the cord length limiting for larger apartments. It’s an excellent choice for quick cleanups and maintaining a tidy space, but if you have extensive areas to cover, you might need to consider its reach. Overall, it’s a solid performer for apartment dwellers seeking a convenient and effective cleaning solution.

Pros

  • Powerful suction for its size
  • Very lightweight and portable
  • Useful extension wand

Cons

  • Cord length could be longer
  • Not ideal for high-pile carpets
  • Bagless, requires frequent emptying

Specifications

Brand
Bissell
Model
CleanView Compact
Weight
3.63 kg
Capacity
1 liters
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Upright
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#3. Intercleaner 12 in 1 Stick

Intercleaner 12 in 1 Stick
12-in-1
Multifunction
Powerful
Suction
Lightweight
3 lbs
Multi-Surface Cleaning
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Versatility
9.5
Suction Power
8.8
Portability
9.0
Filtration
8.5
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You’ll find the Intercleaner 12-in-1 Stick Vacuum to be an incredibly versatile tool for keeping your small apartment spotless. With 11 included accessories, it adapts to clean virtually anywhere, from floors and furniture to car interiors and tight crevices. The 15KPa strong suction effectively tackles pet hair and debris on both hard floors and short-pile carpets. Its lightweight design, weighing only 3 lbs, makes it easy for anyone to handle, and the 16.4ft cord offers a generous cleaning range without frequent plug changes.

While this vacuum offers excellent versatility and suction for its class, it’s primarily designed for hard floors and low-pile carpets; performance on thicker carpets may be limited. The Pro-Max filtration system with HEPA filters is a great feature for air quality. If you need a lightweight, adaptable vacuum for various surfaces and tasks in a smaller living space, this Intercleaner model is a strong contender.

Pros

  • Exceptional versatility with 11 accessories
  • Strong suction for its size
  • Very lightweight and easy to use

Cons

  • Best for low-pile carpets
  • Cord length is good, not exceptional
  • May require frequent emptying

Specifications

Brand
Intercleaner
Model
VC 1701
Weight
3 pounds
Capacity
0.8 L
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Stick
Wattage
400 watts
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#4. Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight

Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight
All-Floor
Suction
Lightweight
7.7 lbs
Washable
Filter
Affordable Upright
84
OVERALL
SCORE
Suction Power
8.8
Portability
8.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Value
8.7
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You’ll find the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight vacuum to be a capable and budget-friendly option for apartment living. Its powerful suction effectively cleans both hard floors and carpets, with a generous 10.5-inch cleaning path that speeds up your cleaning routine. The quick-release handle allows for easy attachment of the crevice tool and dusting brush, perfect for above-floor cleaning on upholstery and hard-to-reach areas. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s manageable to carry and store, making it a practical choice for smaller homes.

While this vacuum is lightweight for an upright, it’s heavier than many stick vacuums, which might be a consideration for some. The washable filter contributes to low maintenance costs, and all tools are conveniently stored on board. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective upright vacuum for general cleaning in an apartment, the Eureka Airspeed offers solid performance and features.

Pros

  • Strong suction for its price
  • Good for multiple floor types
  • Convenient onboard tool storage

Cons

  • Heavier than stick vacuums
  • Cord length is average
  • Not ideal for deep carpet cleaning

Specifications

Brand
Eureka
Model
Airspeed NEU10AE5
Weight
7.7 pounds
Capacity
1.7 liters
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Upright
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#5. Bissell Featherweight PowerBrush

Bissell Featherweight PowerBrush
Motorized
Brush Roll
Pet Hair
Specialist
3-in-1
Versatility
Pet Hair Focus
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Pet Hair
8.5
Portability
9.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Suction Power
8.0
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You’ll appreciate the Bissell Featherweight PowerBrush for its effective cleaning of pet hair and its convenient 3-in-1 design. The motorized brush roll combined with powerful suction works well on multiple surfaces, including carpets, bare floors, stairs, and upholstery, making it a versatile tool for pet owners in apartments. Its ultra-lightweight design, under 4 lbs, ensures easy maneuverability and carrying from room to room, simplifying your cleaning routine. The included crevice tool is handy for reaching those difficult spots.

While this vacuum is great for quick cleanups and pet hair, its dustbin capacity is quite small, necessitating frequent emptying. It’s best suited for smaller spaces and routine maintenance rather than deep cleaning large areas. If you have pets and live in an apartment, this Bissell offers a good balance of power and portability for tackling everyday pet messes.

Pros

  • Effective on pet hair
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Versatile 3-in-1 functionality

Cons

  • Small dustbin capacity
  • Not for heavy-duty cleaning
  • Cord length is average

Specifications

Brand
Bissell
Model
Featherweight PowerBrush 2773A
Weight
4 pounds
Capacity
N/A
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Stick
Wattage
600 watts
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#6. Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik

Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik
3-in-1
Versatility
Lightweight
Design
Rinsable
Filter
Quick Spot Cleaning
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Versatility
8.5
Portability
9.0
Ease of Use
8.0
Suction Power
7.0
Check Price on Amazon→

The Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik Plus is a versatile and incredibly lightweight vacuum designed for quick cleanups. Its 3-in-1 design easily converts from a stick vacuum to a hand vacuum, making it perfect for tackling dust, dirt, and crumbs on furniture, counters, and shelves. The rinsable filter is a convenient feature, reducing maintenance hassle and costs. Its compact nature makes it an ideal choice for small apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone needing a go-to vacuum for immediate messes.

While its portability and convenience are major advantages, the suction power is best suited for light debris rather than deep cleaning. If you’re looking for a primary vacuum for heavy-duty cleaning or thick carpets, this might not be the best fit. However, for its intended purpose of quick spot cleaning and versatility in small spaces, it performs admirably.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and portable
  • Converts to handheld easily
  • Washable filter for cost savings

Cons

  • Limited suction power
  • Small dustbin capacity
  • Best for light debris only

Specifications

Brand
Hoover
Model
Dirt Devil Simplistik Plus
Weight
3.6 pounds
Capacity
0.35 liters
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Stick
Check Price on Amazon→

#7. Amazon Basics 2-in-1 Stick

Amazon Basics 2-in-1 Stick
2-in-1
Design
Lightweight
3.9 lbs
Washable
Filter
Budget-Conscious Cleaners
75
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
9.0
Portability
8.8
Ease of Use
8.2
Suction Power
7.0
Check Price on Amazon→

You’ll find the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum to be a practical and affordable option for maintaining a clean apartment. Its ability to convert from a stick to a handheld vacuum makes it versatile for cleaning floors, upholstery, and tight spaces. Weighing in at just 3.9 pounds, it’s exceptionally easy to maneuver and carry around your home. The washable filter and self-standing design add to its user-friendly features, making it a convenient tool for everyday cleaning tasks.

This vacuum is best suited for hard floors and low-pile carpets, as it’s not recommended for high-pile rugs. While it offers good value, its suction power is moderate, making it ideal for light debris rather than deep cleaning. If you need a basic, lightweight vacuum for quick cleanups and are on a budget, this Amazon Basics model is a solid choice.

Pros

  • Very affordable price point
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Converts to handheld mode

Cons

  • Moderate suction power
  • Not for high-pile carpets
  • Small dust cup capacity

Specifications

Brand
Amazon Basics
Model
2-in-1 Stick Vacuum
Weight
3.9 pounds
Capacity
0.5L
Power Source
Corded Electric
Form Factor
Stick
Check Price on Amazon→
Top 7 Best Vacuum For Small Apartments

Mastering the Maneuver: Your Guide to the Perfect Small Apartment Vacuum

Living in a compact space doesn’t mean sacrificing a clean home. Choosing the right vacuum for your small apartment is about maximizing power and minimizing hassle. You want a machine that tackles dust bunnies and pet hair without becoming a storage nightmare or an obstacle course in your living room. This guide will help you navigate the options and find a cleaning companion that fits your life and your square footage.

What Makes a Vacuum Apartment-Ready?

When eyeing up potential vacuums, consider these key features to ensure a good fit for your home:

  • Compact Design: Look for vacuums that are lightweight and easy to store. Can it slide into a narrow closet or tuck neatly beside a piece of furniture?
  • Versatile Attachments: Small spaces often mean multi-functional furniture and tight corners. Ensure the vacuum comes with crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery attachments to reach every nook and cranny.
  • Strong Suction Power: Don’t let its size fool you. A good apartment vacuum should still offer robust suction to effectively pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces.
  • Filtration System: For allergy sufferers or anyone sensitive to dust, a vacuum with a good HEPA filter can make a significant difference in air quality.
  • Corded vs. Cordless: Cordless models offer ultimate freedom and quick cleanups, ideal for frequent, small messes. Corded vacuums often provide more consistent power and larger capacities, but you’ll need to manage the cord.

Navigating the Nuances: Pitfalls to Sidestep

  • Overlooking Storage: A powerful vacuum is useless if you have nowhere to put it. Always check dimensions and consider how you’ll store it when not in use.
  • Ignoring Maneuverability: If a vacuum is heavy or clunky, you’ll be less likely to use it. Test how easily it pivots and navigates around furniture.
  • Focusing Solely on Size: While compactness is crucial, don’t sacrifice essential cleaning performance for a tiny footprint. Balance size with the power you need for your specific flooring and cleaning habits.

Your Small Space Cleaning Champion Awaits

For ultra-lightweight convenience, the Bissell Featherweight Stick or Eureka Airspeed are your go-to. Need a bit more power for pet hair and deeper cleans in a compact form? The Intercleaner Corded Vacuum or Bissell CleanView Compact deliver. If versatility is key, the Amazon Basics 2-in-1 and Hoover Dirt Devil Simplistik Plus offer great multi-functionality. The Bissell Featherweight PowerBrush is perfect for quick touch-ups on multiple surfaces.

All these options are designed to tackle apartment living without breaking the bank. Ready to make your choice? Click the buttons above to check current availability and snag the perfect vacuum for your cozy abode!

Final 3 Picks: Overall Value Pick, Apartment Cleaning, and Multi-Surface Cleaning

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.