Stick vacuums are helpful tools when you need something lightweight and portable. Compared to traditional upright or canister vacuums, these models are well-suited for use in smaller living spaces or quick clean-ups where you might not want to wheel out a full-size vacuum. Of course, there are sacrifices to be made as well; due to their relatively compact dimensions, they tend to have somewhat small motors and low-capacity dustbins.
We've tested over 105 vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best stick vacuums. These picks were selected based on their performance on different surfaces, feature set, and price. For more buying recommendations, check out our articles on the best cordless vacuums, the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, and the best vacuums for high-pile carpet.
Quick Look
We've independently bought and tested over 105 vacuums with no cherry-picked manufacturer samples. We run each vacuum through a gauntlet of tests whose results are validated by multiple teams to ensure you get an accurate picture of how each model will perform and can easily compare them. We keep the products in our lab so we can periodically go back and see how they stack up to the newest competition.
Want to learn more about our testing and review pipeline? Check out our How We Test Vacuums article for insight into our lab and writing processes.
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Best Stick Vacuum
Bare Floor7.8Low-Pile Carpet7.8High-Pile Carpet8.0Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets7.9See all our test resultsStairs8.7The Dyson V15 Detect is the best stick vacuum we've tested. It's far from the newest model in Dyson's lineup, having been supplanted by the Dyson Gen5detect in the company's lineup, but ultimately, it still represents the better buy, with near-identical performance to its younger and significantly pricier stablemate. It delivers superb performance on bare floors, as well as on low- and high-pile carpets. It can automatically adjust its suction power to adapt to the surface you're cleaning, and it also has a dirt sensor that measures and counts the size of debris sucked into the vacuum. The downside of its strong suction is that it can make it hard to push around on some rugs. Its battery life depends on the setting; it can run for over 70 minutes in its most energy-efficient mode, but that drops considerably when using its 'Boost' suction, so you'll need to work fast when cleaning stubborn messes. Unfortunately, the vacuum does feel fragile in places, which is disappointing for a vacuum at a premium price point.
If you're looking for a stick vacuum that feels considerably more robust, the Miele Duoflex HX1 is a wonderful alternative with a similar automatic power adjustment system and great overall performance. It allows for a few different configurations thanks to the inclusion of an extension hose and flexible XL crevice tool (depending on the variant), making it ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach places or tasks like cleaning your couch. That said, its tiny dustbin, which is just under half the size of the Dyson's, can be a significant annoyance, as you'll need to empty it at the end of almost every cleaning session.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Stick Vacuum
Bare Floor7.7Low-Pile Carpet7.4High-Pile Carpet7.3Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets6.9See all our test resultsStairs8.4If you're shopping at an upper mid-range price point, the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H is a good choice. Compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, this vacuum is noticeably heavier and has a larger twin-roller floorhead, so maneuvering in tight areas can be more of a hassle. However, it's cheaper and still delivers a strong overall performance on most surfaces. Its Clean Sense IQ system uses an infrared sensor to measure the amount of debris you suck up and automatically adjusts the suction power to match the required load. Its dustbin is bigger than the Dyson's, so you won't have to empty it as often. Another nice feature is its hinged wand, which makes cleaning under most tables and chairs much easier, as you don't have to crouch too much.
A replaceable cartridge in its floorhead emits a detergent-like scent to mask unpleasant odors as you clean, though that can become overwhelming if you vacuum often. While its max battery life of about an hour is good, recharging takes over four hours, which is much longer than the Dyson. This leads to a lot of downtime between cleaning sessions if you don't have a second fully charged battery on hand. Finally, this vacuum gets bogged down on thick carpeting. If you want a more powerful stick vacuum and are okay with losing out on the Shark's automatic power adjustment system, the Samsung Jet 75 is worth a look.
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Best Mid-Range Stick Vacuum
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet7.1High-Pile Carpet7.0Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets7.0See all our test resultsStairs8.6The Samsung Jet 60 Pet is the best stick vacuum we've tested if you're shopping for a mid-range model. Despite a shorter runtime of around 40 minutes and a less sturdy build than the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H, this model still offers a pretty impressive range of features at a lower price point. It boasts a five-stage filtration system that traps allergens as you clean, and it comes with a miniature turbo brush that's very effective in dealing with pet hair on fabric.
Performance is okay on bare floors, though it's worth noting that the bundled Jet Fit floorhead can push some larger pieces of debris around instead of sucking them up, and it struggles with lifting away stubborn debris on carpeted surfaces. Another downside is that emptying its dustbin can release a cloud of dust and debris. This model can't automatically adjust its suction power; if that's a must-have feature, check out the Tineco PURE ONE S11, but know that it's a little harder to find from most retailers than the Samsung vacuum.
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Best Budget Stick Vacuum
Bare Floor6.9Low-Pile Carpet7.3High-Pile Carpet6.6Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets6.3See all our test resultsStairs8.0The Wyze Cordless Vacuum S is the best stick vacuum cleaner we've tested in the budget range. It replaces the discontinued Wyze Cordless Vacuum. It offers strong overall debris-pickup performance on both bare floors and carpets, easily clearing away solid debris and pet hair. Unusual for a vacuum in this price range, it also features a HEPA exhaust filter that's fairly effective in trapping fine particles like dust or pet dander as you clean. Its battery performance is also strong for a budget-friendly cordless vacuum; it lasts almost an hour in its most energy-efficient mode, exceeding the pricier Samsung Jet 60 when running in a similar setting.
Unfortunately, the Wyze vacuum's build quality falls short compared to the Samsung model, with the plastic used in its construction feeling somewhat thin and toy-like in places. Thankfully, maintenance is relatively easy, as you can disassemble and reassemble the vacuum without too much effort.
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Best Corded Stick Vacuum
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet6.8High-Pile Carpet6.3Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessNoAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets7.3See all our test resultsStairs7.8The Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 is the best stick vacuum cleaner with a corded design we've tested. While staying plugged in will limit your cleaning range compared to the cordless models on this list, you'll never have to worry about running out of charge partway through a cleaning session. This vacuum shares a few commonalities with the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H as well: this includes its DuoClean PowerFins floorhead, which uses angled fins on its main roller to prevent hair from getting tangled up, and a replaceable cartridge in its floorhead that emits a pleasant detergent-like scent as you clean.
However, there are a few drawbacks you'll have to contend with: the primary brushroll isn't removable, so it's a chore to clear away any hair that does get stuck. Also, unlike the Stratos Cordless, it doesn't have a MultiFlex folding wand, so cleaning under most tables and chairs is much harder.
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Best Stick Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet7.8High-Pile Carpet7.6Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessNoCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesWet CompatibleNoPets7.7See all our test resultsStairs8.6Check out the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra if you're searching for a cordless stick vacuum and are sensitive to pollen or pet dander. It has a bagless design, which usually isn't ideal for trapping allergens, regardless of how advanced a vacuum's filtration system is, since shaking out a dustbin still releases a cloud of dust, which isn't as hygienic as tossing out a sealed dirtbag. However, the Bespoke has a charging dock that doubles as a self-emptying station, similar to self-emptying robot vacuums like the Roborock Saros 10R. This dock transfers debris from the vacuum's dustbin through an airtight seal into a disposable dirtbag inside the stand-up station, meaning you don't have to worry about emptying its dustbin manually. Its filtration system includes a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.
Performance-wise, it does a good job dealing with debris on low- and high-pile carpeting, though it falls short of the Dyson V15 Detect on bare floors, with its roller head pushing around some medium and larger debris. The vacuum's 'AI' feature can be used to have the brushroll speed and suction set automatically. However, its battery life leaves something to be desired. The minimum battery life of about two minutes doesn't give you much time to use the high-power 'JET' mode, and unlike its predecessor, the Samsung Bespoke Jet, it doesn't include a second battery that extends its total battery life.
Notable Mentions
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Dyson Gen5detect:
The Dyson Gen5detect is Dyson's newest flagship cordless stick vacuum. It's an exceptional performer in terms of debris pickup and has a slightly more comfortable-to-use control scheme than the Dyson V15 Detect. Still, it does little else to justify its substantially higher purchase price when compared to its cheaper predecessor.
See our review -
Dyson Gen5outsize:
The Dyson Gen5outsize is an enlarged, pricier version of the Dyson Gen5detect, with a wider multi-surface head and a higher-capacity dustbin. Still, it's also hugely expensive compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, which offers similarly strong performance in a much more maneuverable package.
See our review - Dyson V11: The Dyson V11 is a cordless stick/handheld vacuum. Although it has a very good overall performance, it doesn't perform as well as the Dyson V15 Detect on any surface type. See our review
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Dyson V12 Detect Slim:
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a good alternative to the Dyson V15 Detect if you want something a little less bulky and with lighter, more maneuverable handling, but without giving up features like a dirt sensor or surface detection. That said, it does have a much smaller dustbin and a weaker motor, resulting in slightly inferior debris pickup, especially on carpeted floors.
See our review - Dyson V8: The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick/handheld vacuum that doesn't perform as well as the Dyson V15 Detect on any surface type, but it still has a fantastic performance on bare floors and does a good job on carpets. While it doesn't have a surface-type adjustment feature, it's less expensive and requires less demanding maintenance. See our review
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Miele Triflex HX2 Pro/Cat & Dog:
The Miele Triflex HX2 Pro/Cat & Dog is a high-end cordless vacuum that feels better built than most models in this segment, but it falls short of the Dyson V15 Detect in terms of raw power. It's also undercut by the cheaper, more conventional Miele Duoflex HX1 in the brand's lineup, which feels even more robust and actually offers superior overall performance.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 13, 2025:
Replaced the Samsung Bespoke Jet with the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra as the 'Best For Allergies' pick, because the older Bespoke Jet model isn't available.
Jun 27, 2025:
We added the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra as a Notable Mention and checked all recommendations for accuracy and availability.
Apr 08, 2025:
We replaced the discontinued Wyze Cordless Vacuum with the Wyze Cordless Vacuum S. We checked all recommendations for accuracy and availability.
Feb 03, 2025:
Added Dyson V12 Detect Slim and Miele Triflex HX2 Pro/Cat & Dog to the list of Notable Mentions.
Jan 27, 2025:
Verified that all picks are valid and available. No change in recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are based on what we think are currently the best stick/handheld vacuums for most people to buy. We don't just base our results on overall performance but also on factors like availability, price, and reader feedback.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of stick vacuums. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no vacuum is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.