Cleaning stairs is so much easier when you have a lightweight, portable vacuum cleaner for stairs. Otherwise, you’re forced to get creative.

Anyone who’s ever tried to use an upright on steps can tell you it’s no easy task. And canister vacuums are always limited by the length of their air hose unless you carry the canister up the steps with you.

The money you’ll spend on one of the best vacuums for stairs is worth it. Using the right tool for the job will save you time and effort.

Plus, it’s a lot easier on your back and hauling around a full-size vacuum cleaner for stairs.

When you shop for the best vacuum for stairs, consider the following features. First, will you prefer corded or cordless? Next, are you vacuuming carpeted stairs or bare stairs?

Moreover, will you be vacuuming pet hair? And is the type of air filtration important to you?

Best Vacuums for Stairs 2022 Reviews

Let’s take a look at the best vacuum cleaner for cleaning stairs. We’ll begin with one of the most convenient options, the best cordless model that converts to a hand vac.

1. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute frequently appears on homeowners’ wish lists. That’s because this powerful cordless vacuum weighs less than 6 pounds, has a runtime of up to an hour, and converts to a handheld vacuum.

It works just as well as a corded vacuum for cleaning up pet hair, dirt, and crumbs.

In its full-size format, the Absolute lets you clean the stairs without bending over, even carpeted stairs. If you switch to the torque drive cleaner head, you’ll 20 minutes per charge to deep clean carpets.

Or if you have stairs without carpeting, switch to the soft roller cleaning head to remove every speck of dust for up to 40 minutes.

Finally, if you run the V10 Absolute without a motorized head, you’ll achieve the fabled one-hour runtime. You’ll still have plenty of suction to clean your car, dust the drapes, and freshen up the couch.

2. Dyson V7 Trigger Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum

As always with technology, you’ll pay more for the latest and greatest like the Dyson V10 Absolute above. But if you don’t mind bending over to clean stairs with a hand vac, you can spend a lot less on a Dyson V7 Trigger.

The V7 Trigger is very convenient for small jobs and cleaning steps. It weighs less than 4 pounds and runs up to 30 minutes on a charge.

Then once you’re done, hit the button and drop the collected debris straight out the bottom without getting your hands dirty.

This Dyson model comes with a mini motorized tool for deep-cleaning, a crevice tool, and combination tool with bristles. It’s protected by a two-year warranty that includes parts and labor.

3. Shark ION Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum IR101

Shark’s ION IR101 runs up to about half an hour before it needs to recharge. In its full-size configuration, it allows you to vacuum steps without stooping. Since it only weighs 7.2 pounds, it’s easy on the back.

Otherwise, you can convert it to a hand vacuum that weighs 3.8 pounds. It comes with a crevice tool, an anti-allergen dust brush, and a pet multi-tool for cleaning up hair.

4. Makita XLC02R1B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Vacuum Kit (2.0Ah)

The well-known power tool manufacturer Makita also makes vacuum cleaners. Their XLC02R1B cordless vacuum runs off the same lithium-ion batteries that power their drills.

Although it comes with a 2.0Ah pack for 15 minutes of runtime, it also runs on higher capacity batteries.

This vacuum for stairs is super-lightweight at only 2.7 pounds with the battery onboard. Although it has no motorized tool for carpet, it has strong suction for cleaning up messes on bare floors. Plus, it comes with a crevice tool and converts to a hand vac.

5. Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum, 47R51

Bissell’s Cleanview corded hand vacuum for stairs weighs 4.65 pounds and has an 18-foot power cord. One of its best features is the rubber nozzle that simplifies picking up hair from carpet and upholstery.

While you’ll need to bend over to clean stairs, the Cleanview comes with handy attachments. Not only is there a crevice tool and a wide mouth tool, but there’s also a 2-foot-long hose.

The hose allows you to put down the vacuum instead of holding it while you work on each step.

6. Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum Bagless

At 2.6 pounds, Bissell’s Featherweight Stick Vacuum weighs even less than the Bissell Cleanview or Bissell Zing. It’s an ultra-lightweight solution for cleaning your stairs.

The Featherweight has a 15-foot power cord, plus it converts to a hand vacuum for cleaning furniture. Although there is no brush roller, the vacuum’s suction is strong enough for low-nap carpets.

7. Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292)

The Shark Rocket corded hand vac is a very versatile tool. It has a stretchy air hose, a mini motorized brush for cleaning carpet and upholstery, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush.

There’s also a 15-foot power cord. The Rocket makes it so you can easily clean steps, upholstery, lampshades, and more.

8. Shark DuoClean Rocket Corded Ultralight Upright Vacuum HV382

The Shark Duoclean Rocket is both an upright and a hand vac. It works equally well on carpet and bare floors because it comes with two different brush rollers.

One roller has bristles to agitate carpet, while the other has soft fabric to pick up dust.

Another principal advantage is its 30-foot power cord. If you have a lot of stairs, this vacuum cuts down on hopping between electrical outlets.

And in its upright configuration, the Rocket HV382 weighs less than 10 pounds. If you convert it to a hand vacuum, it weighs 4.6 pounds.

Finally, both the floor attachments and the hand vacuum itself have LED headlights.

9. Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner NES210

The Eureka Blaze is a multipurpose vacuum cleaner for all around the house. It converts between an upright stick vacuum, a hand vacuum, and a vacuum for stairs.

It weighs only 4 pounds (lighter than the Eureka EasyClean) and has an 18-foot power cord.

One of its highlights is its ability to use the full-size capture nozzle in hand vac mode. It also has washable filters.

10. Dirt Devil 360 Degree Reach Pro Pet Bagless Stick Vacuum, SD12517BPC – Corded

If you have steps that aren’t carpeted, try the Dirt Devil 360-Degree Reach Pro. This stick vacuum is talented at cleaning stairs without making you stoop. And it converts to a hand vacuum, too.

It comes with washable microfiber pads that will leave your bare floors shining. It also cleans upholstery, tile, curtains, ceiling fans, and other surfaces.

11. Eureka Mighty Mite Pet Lover Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner, 3684F

Eureka’s Mighty Mite 3684F canister vacuum is marketed to pet owners because it’s very convenient for cleaning up pet hair and carpeted stairs.

It also has a bagged HEPA filtration system that traps pet dander and dust inside. The standard bags it uses are made by Arm & Hammer to control odors.

The 20-foot power cord and long air hose make it possible to clean steps without caring the 9-pound canister along the way.

Plus, the vacuum comes with a telescoping wand and a crevice tool, as well as a brush roller for carpet.

There’s one more feature that makes this little vacuum appealing to homeowners. There’s a blower port on the back that can help you rake leaves in the fall.

12. Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum

Yes, the Electrolux EL4335B  is a full-size canister vacuum. But it weighs less than 12 pounds and has a 33-foot reach.

That reach is a combination of the air hose length plus the power cord. And many owners have commented that it’s easy to clean stairs with this model.

One of its advantages is a HEPA filtration system with a bagless design. It’s hard to find this level of air filtering on a stick vacuum or hand vac.

Next, there are three levels of height adjustment, plus you can switch off the brush roller to vacuum delicate surfaces.

Plus, the brush roller has a self-cleaning system so you spend less time pulling off hairs and threads.

13. Oreck Commercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum

The Oreck Commercial Pro 5 vacuum is a canister that you carry with a shoulder strap, and could be the best vacuum cleaner for stairs all-around.

The 30-foot power cord gives you freedom of movement over a large area. And the 4-foot hose and telescopic extension wand make cleaning steps a snap.

This compact vacuum weighs only 5 pounds. It comes with a variety of attachments. And it’s covered by a one-year warranty.

14. BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum, 20-volt

BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums have improved greatly with the advent of lithium batteries. The Pivot runs an average of 10 minutes continuously on a charge.

Its suction power is better suited to bare floors than to carpets. But it has a washable filter, and it recharges quickly.

Conclusion

When it’s time to clean your steps, protect your back by using one of the best lightweight and compact vacuums for stairs.

While cordless models provide freedom of movement, corded vacuums will ensure you never run out of power in the middle of a job.

And some stair vacuums come with attachments to help you clean all around your home.