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Want a portable vacuum for stairs? Buying the best vacuum for stairs can keep your home cleaner. It also eliminates the need for phoning a professional cleaner. People often do that with staircases because vacuums are too bulky to take up and down stairs. For that, they need something lightweight, portable, and durable.

If you’re interested in cleaning your own staircase, read about our top 10 picks and our buyer’s guide. Such vacuums might change the way you maintain your house. Plus, they’re good for business because of their extended warranties. And practical features!

BEST VACUUM FOR STAIRS – TOP 10 PICKS OF 2025

Buying the best vacuum for stairs doesn’t have to be difficult. You can read about each of our picks and the best that industry can offer. The comparison table below jots down every important factor to consider. This should give you a good summary of the best of 2025 and why it’s the ideal pick for you.

important factor to consider. This should give you a good summary of the best of 2025 and why it’s the ideal pick for you.

1. DYSON V8 Plus ABSOLUTE – BEST VACUUM FOR STAIRS AT A REASONABLE PRICE

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Built with HEPA filtration, this vacuum can run for 40 minutes on a single charge. It has a spacious canister which holds a lot of dirt. And new cleaning mechanism which scrapes the sides of the bin for when it’s getting empty. It ejects dirt right into a bin with the Hygienic Dirt Ejector. So, you do not have to transfer the dirt canister to a bag. And then transfer the bag to the bin.

At max power mode, this best vacuum for stairs runs for about 7 minutes. The max power mode gives you the strongest suction. This suction is necessary for cleaning carpets, corners, and other difficult areas.

For storage, the docking station holds the vacuum’s attachments. You can dock the vacuum cleaner on the wall or in a laundry room. The docking station makes sure the upright vacuum doesn’t tip over and is always ready for use.

The V8 Plus comes with a direct-drive cleaner head which means it has more brush power. With this, you can drive the vacuum on ground-in dirt, especially on staircases, in one sweep. This saves you time and leaves you untired.

The cleaner head and crevice tool let you reach hard places. While the 150% more brush power sucks in more fine particles and dirt. Which is the ideal combination for cleaning hardwood, carpeted, or other stairs.

​This model gets loud when switched to its Max Power Mode. Using the Max mode isn’t necessary unless you have never once cleaned the stairs in months. The Max mode also uses too much battery which leaves little room for other suction modes. So, use the Max mode of the V8 Plus to the least and only when it’s needed.

Reliable HEPA filtration.
Up to 40 minutes run-time.
A durable docking station.
The Max power mode is too loud.
The motorized tool drains the battery quickly.

2.  KENMORE DU4080 FEATHERLITE LIFT-UP UPRIGHT VACUUM – BEST VACUUM CLEANER FOR SMALL HOMES

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The Kenmore FeatherLite markets itself as a lightweight, compact vacuum with strong performance on both carpets and hard floors. However, our in-depth testing revealed that its actual performance is average at best, and it’s heavier and less maneuverable than many top competitors.

In carpet cleaning—our most heavily weighted metric at 35%—the FeatherLite performed slightly above average using four types of debris (rice, oats, cereal, and flour) on both low- and high-pile carpets.

However, in our ease of use tests (25% of the final score), which evaluated cleaning under furniture, along walls, in corners, noise level, and floor-type transitions, the FeatherLite fell short, earning a below-average score.

On the positive side, in our handling metric (20% of the score), it maneuvered well around furniture and up stairs, requiring minimal effort to push and pull.

Lightweight design
Excellent obstacle handling

Weak performance on hard surfaces and carpets
Short hose length

3. DIRT DEVIL VIBE STIK – BEST VACUUM FOR STAIRS WITH HARDWOOD FLOORING

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Want something with a warranty? Try the Dirt Devil Vibe-Stik. It’s an upright, corded, and bagless vacuum. With a powerful  motor, it is perfect for cleaning hardwood floors. If this best vacuum for stairs can clean up after a pile a dog hair, it can do anything!

The best part about it is the filter cup – it’s rinse-able. The stick design converts into a handheld design making staircase cleaning efficient. The built-in crevice tool reaches corners and fits between tight spaces.

The cord is 16-feet long which is enough when you’re cleaning a long flight of stairs. The innovative design of the Dirt Devil will keep you satisfied. It gives you no reason to look the other way. Especially when you want a practical, useful, and effective pick!

If you shelter many dogs, especially those that shed a lot of hair in a day, this vacuum will help. It will help clean the mess up that you used to do by hand or with a scrub brush. This vacuum follows no such protocol for cleaning dog hair. The suction and washable filter make cleaning along hardwood or carpeted floors easy.

Assembling it isn’t difficult either –the 3 parts need to stick together until you hear a snap! It consists of the bottom sweeper, the middle handheld body, and the top handle. With no screws or bolts needed, the lightweight design is intuitive, user-friendly, and functional.

The lack of a canister bag can be a putting-off factor for many people. This is because a bagless model requires you to remove the filter covered with dust and hair by hand. Then you have to dump the collected dirt from the filter into the trash.

And if there’s too much of hair stuck on the filter, you might have to use to brush to properly get the hair out. This wastes time and requires more effort on your part.

Strong suction power.
Stick-to-handheld convertible design
Doesn’t contain a bag.
The handle grip is a bit short.

4. BLACK+DECKER CHV1410L –BEST VACUUM FOR STAIRS WITH CARPET FLOORING

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This one is a lithium-ion powered handheld vacuum cleaner. Its top features are Cyclonic action suction and a Rotating slim nozzle. Both these features make cleaning carpeted areas and rugs easy.

The intuitive design makes emptying out its bagless vacuum canister quick and effortless. You can even rinse the dirt bowl. This is necessary when cleaning out something that might leave a stench behind.

It comes with mounting hooks that make the vacuum good for storage. You won’t have to deal with any hanging wires or cords since it’s a cordless model.

The transparent design of the Black and Decker makes cleaning effortless. You can see what goes into the canister leaving nothing behind.

The lightweight design uses 50% less energy; thanks to its Smart Charge technology. You get twice the powerful suction and half the energy it takes to get there.

You’ll also love the 2-year warranty, 4-hour charging capacity, and automatic shut-off. These features make the Black and Decker a tough competitor for quick home cleaning.

The Cyclonic power suction of the device has a rotating edge to it. This means the vacuuming head scrubs out the ground-in dirt from thick carpets. While keeping the suction strong and airflow going. Once the nozzle starts to rotate, move the vacuum in a straight line for accurate cleaning.

​The vacuum has a long charge time, but a short run-time. It can hold a charge for about 10 to 15 minutes only at its highest power suction settings.

Portable and extendable pickup.
50% less energy-efficient performance.
Short battery life.

5. BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER – BEST VACUUM FOR STAIRS FOR REMOVING ALLERGENS

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The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is a straightforward, bagless upright vacuum. It includes a crevice tool with a built-in LED light, making it easier to clean dark, hard-to-reach spots. That said, it doesn’t perform as well on bare floors when it comes to picking up hair and debris, and its limited range can make cleaning stairs a bit more challenging. Maintenance can be somewhat tricky, and depending on how often you use it, there may be regular replacement costs.

One nice touch is the option to use a Febreze-scented pre-motor filter, which BISSELL claims helps eliminate odors while you clean.

There are several versions of this vacuum available, with slight design differences—like various color options or features such as automatic cord rewind. However, these variations don’t significantly affect how well the vacuum picks up debris.

Excellent at removing pet hair
Great bang for your buck

Not ideal for tight spaces
Struggles with small gaps and corners

6.  DSORUPA CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER  – BEST VACUUM CLEANER FOR STAIRS WITH A POWERFUL SUCTION

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The DSORUPA Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and smart cleaning device tailored for modern living. With a strong 550W motor and 45Kpa suction power, it effectively removes dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris from various surfaces. Designed for both performance and ease, it features a long-lasting battery, a smart touch screen, lightweight build, and an anti-tangle brush.

More than just a vacuum, the DSORUPA reflects a user-first philosophy. Its ergonomic and lightweight design, intuitive controls, and sleek appearance—enhanced by a stylish gold aluminum tube—combine to reduce physical effort and boost cleaning efficiency. It delivers high performance with convenience and elegance.

The DSORUPA Cordless Vacuum Cleaner features a thoughtfully engineered lightweight design, weighing just 8 pounds. This is achieved through the use of durable yet light materials like the gold aluminum tube, ensuring easy maneuverability without sacrificing strength. The ergonomic handle and well-balanced weight distribution reduce strain on the wrists, arms, and back, making it comfortable to use even during long cleaning sessions.

Its lightweight and ergonomic build make the DSORUPA easy to carry, maneuver, and operate for extended periods—ideal for cleaning large spaces or reaching high areas. This design is especially appreciated by users with mobility limitations, as reflected in many positive customer reviews. Additionally, a convenient wall mount plate is included for easy storage of both the vacuum and its accessories.

Powerful suction
Lightweight and ergonomic
Smart features
Anti-tangle brush

Limited dustbin capacity
No self-cleaning feature

7.  EUREKA NEU801BL UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER – BEST FOR VACUUM FOR STAIRS FOR CEILINGS AND WALLS

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When I tested the Eureka Omniverse Multi-Function Upright Vacuum, what stood out most was its powerful performance. Almost equally impressive, though, was the price. Everyone deserves clean floors, but many top cordless vacuums on the market come with a price tag that’s out of reach for most households.

Thankfully, the Eureka Omniverse proves that strong performance doesn’t have to come with a high cost. That said, there are a few trade-offs. The vacuum does feel a bit cheaply built—especially noticeable when removing or reattaching the dustbin or converting it into a handheld. Its swivel floorhead is great for maneuvering, but it can make the vacuum hard to push in a straight line. And like many upright models, it struggles to clean edges unless you use one of the included attachments.

Still, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its excellent suction power—handling everything from large debris to fine dust—and the versatility provided by the attachment tools. Combine that with its budget-friendly price, and the Eureka Omniverse stands out as a solid, value-packed option for everyday cleaning.

Excellent performance on shaggy carpets
Reliable cleaning on hardwood floors
Outstanding value for the price

Usability can feel awkward at times
Lacks adjustable suction control options.

8. DIRT DEVIL SCORPION QUICK FLIP – BEST COMPACT HANDHELD VACUUM FOR STAIRS

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If you liked the Dirt Devil Corded Upright but want a handheld version, go for this. It features a lightweight and portable design. You can carry it around and it won’t feel a bit heavy. So lightweight that it weighs less than 4 pounds.

This is a good compact vacuum for most people. But don’t let its small size fool you. It has a 16-foot power cord and a quick-flip crevice tool. The latter uses more space to do the cleaning. And the former saves space to clean more efficiently.

I found that the quick flip feature is good for vacuuming corners and tight spaces. Back this up with the vacuum’s 7-amp power motor, it’s a power-packed beast in a bagless design. It can also clean out sand particles and tiny pebbles.

For extra detailed cleaning, the components come with a 3-year warranty. The bagless canister is well-supported by its lightweight design. It doesn’t create a mess or left-over debris after emptying.

If you want to clean stray hairs on the carpet, you wouldn’t want to suck up the fibers of the carpet during vacuuming. So, what do you do? I suggest you use the vacuum’s extension brush to increase the suction area. This way, the nozzle doesn’t come into contact with the carpet but sucks in the air comfortably.

​Being a compact appliance, the vacuum can get a bit noisy. So, if used late at night, it might disturb family members or even the neighbors. That is if you live in close quarters.

Compact and lightweight.
Long power cord.
Quick Flip button for crevice brush.
Too loud every time you turn it on.

9. BISSELL 3837 CLEANVIEW VACUUM –BEST UPRIGHT VACUUM FOR STAIRS

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The BISSELL CleanView/CleanView is an upright vacuum positioned above the entry-level BISSELL PowerForce Helix, offering a longer range, more attachments, and a slightly stronger suction motor. However, it sits below the more premium and durable BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo. The CleanView features a large-capacity dustbin and five height adjustment levels for its floorhead, though it lacks a brushroll on/off switch.

There are several variants of this model, with differences such as swivel steering, accessory options, and automatic cord rewind. However, these variations don’t significantly affect its cleaning performance.

The BISSELL CleanView is a practical option for cleaning stairs, thanks to its lightweight design and built-in carry handle that make it easy to move from step to step. While the hose is relatively short, it works well for spot cleaning in semi-handheld mode, especially when paired with the right attachment. With a bit of care, it can handle various stair surfaces effectively making it a convenient choice for quick, everyday stair cleanups.

Semi-handheld usability
Includes multiple tools and brushes

Limited maneuverability
Fragile plastic construction
Weak performance on fine carpet debris

10. SHARK ROCKET HV302 – BEST CONVERTIBLE VACUUM FOR STAIRS

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This best vacuum for stairs is our exclusive pick on the market. It is incredibly-lightweight and durable. Has dual storage features with a detailed nozzle for fast cleaning. It would make a good convertible choice for full home cleaning. The swivel steering nozzle and dust-away attachments make cleaning quick and effortless.

Something about this feels more comfortable. Maybe it’s the ultra-lightweight body with power control features. If you need something that lets you clean everything, go for this pick. You will find it easier to assemble and store this vacuum. All thanks to its dual storage design and simple mounting capabilities.

It also stays upright in a sturdier fashion than the other models we considered. This means you can relax while vacuuming and get the job done faster!

With pets around, there’s only so much you can do to get rid of pet hair. The best way to unclog hair from the filter is with the vacuum’s dusting brush. You can clean away all the deposits in one sitting when it’s time to empty the canister. But the dirt cup is so secure and sturdy, that you would have to use a tool to detach it.

But here’s something you might not like. The hole in which you hoist cover plates is too small. And I can’t say that this is not troublesome. Even though it’s not a major problem!

Smart and effective features.
Lightweight with a secure dirt cup.
The vacuum doesn’t stand on its own.

SMART BUYER’S GUIDE

WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?

Vacuuming stairs is not simple as vacuuming floors. And if you have a bulky vacuum with no extra tools, things can get tricky. You might even end up hurting yourself or breaking the vacuum trying to get it on each step. Hence, you need a separate vacuum cleaner to deal with stairs. A vacuum cleaner that you can hold, has a long power cable and is faster.

Not sure where to start? Here are the main features you can consider to find the best vacuum for stairs for you.

1. PORTABILITY​

The weight and size of the vacuum cleaner is an important factor to consider. A lightweight vacuum is easier to carry up and down a staircase. You need a design that’s easy to move in all directions too. For that, buying a handheld vacuum may be the right choice for some.

Look for a model with a compact size. This makes it easier to reach corners and edges without difficulty. A small sized vacuum cleaner is good for cleaning tight corners. So, cleaning your home becomes less time-consuming.

2. CORDLESS OR CORDED

A corded vacuum cleaner has a fixed cleaning radius. Ensure the cord’s length is long enough and the hose secure enough. A double-padded hose and cord are good features for a corded vacuum cleaner. With a long cord, you will be able to clean the entire staircase. While with a short cord, this won’t be possible.

A cordless vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, comes with a stronger battery. The best vacuum for stairs of this kind has a longer run-time. So, you can clean the entire staircase on a single charge. With a strong battery, you can also clean the entire house along with the stairs.

3. CLEANING EFFICIENCY

Does your vacuum have a strong suction power? Without a strong suction, the time taken to clean is longer. Plus, it’s more likely that some dust particles get left behind on carpets. A strong suction cleaner powers through the hose. This pulls all kinds of particles including hair, sand, and dust. And that dictates the vacuum cleaner’s cleaning efficiency. This type of motorized vacuum is essential for carpets.

This also includes the vacuum’s edge cleaning ability. Cleaning stairs requires you to clean all edges and corners. This isn’t the case for when you clean hardwood or carpeted floors. The corners and edges of stairs house all kinds of dirt particles. Including human hair, pet hair, dust, and dirt! With edge cleaning, one swipe is enough to get rid of such particles.

WHAT ABOUT MY STAIRCASE MATERIAL?

A staircase is your home’s most striking part. And so, a staircase can be of concrete, stone, wood, glass, carpeted, or metal.We know what your next question is: can one vacuum cleaner work for all materials? Well, yes of course! Unless you opt for a weaker and less durable vacuum cleaner.

Not sure how? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of materials.

CONCRETE

Advantages

A concrete staircase is strong and gives off a contemporary aesthetic. It’s versatile in terms of design and shapes. This is because you can mold concrete into different and creative shapes.

Disadvantages

A drawback to concrete is that once it’s damaged or cracked, repairing it is impossible. Unless you want to replace the entire concrete step with a brand-new one! This too takes time and effort as concrete staircases have specialized manufacturing.

STONE

Advantages

Stone staircases are very common and are available in many colors. The most common types of stone stairs are granite and marble. Cleaning such surfaces is easy and effortless. They’re also one of the most expensive options for home décor.

Disadvantages

While marble has an aesthetic appeal, it’s hard to repair in the long run. If one of your marble steps crack, you have to replace the entire step. Clipping broken pieces back together can ruin the entire appearance of the staircase.

WOOD

Advantages

You won’t think twice before buying wood because it’s the most affordable option. Wood has both malleable and durable properties. You can paint it different colors and seal or carpet it. More expensive options for wood would be hardwood floors make of either oak or ash.

Disadvantages

Because of its cheaper price tag, wood is prone to breakage. Plus, it demands regular maintenance, cleaning, and repairs than most. (Cleaning hardwood floors)

GLASS

Advantages

Glass staircases are rare but heavier than metal, wood, stone, or concrete. And heavy because one step makes up a thick slab of glass! Glass staircases come with non-stick coatings and are see-through.

Disadvantages

The drawback to glass is that they’re very expensive. And they also require lots of care. They’re prone to scratches often.

METAL

Advantages

Metal varieties are more common than any other material. You can pick based on strength, size, shape, and weight. The best use of metal staircases is in tight spaces. Or when you want to build something for spiral staircases!

Disadvantages

But metal is noisier and corrosion-resistant. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain its color and texture. So, vacuuming is essential with strong suction and edge cleaning.

FINAL NOTE

MY CHOICE: DYSON V8 PLUS ABSOLUTE

Do you find it hard to clean your staircase with a standard vacuum? The better option is to buy a corded or handheld vacuum for your staircase. With a strong suction power and edge cleaning features!

You can get a smart vacuum cleaner for cheap. With a durable hose and multiple cleaning tools! Such appliances transform the way you do chores. Thus making the time of your day more efficient!

If you’re looking for a practical choice, go for the Dyson V8 Plus Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner. Cleaning the steps yourself becomes much easier with this best vacuum for stairs. It’s quick, affordable, and effective at what it does.

Related Buyer’s guides and BroadMag Lists:

Best Vacuum For Shag Carpet – Buyer’s Guide