The 6 Best Lightweight Vacuums - Fall 2024

The best lightweight vacuum we've tested is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. At just over five pounds, it's one of the lightest models in Dyson's lineup, but it still offers a wide variety of features. It can automatically increase its suction power on carpet or whenever it's on an area with a large concentration of debris. It also has a built-in particle sensor that gives you a real-time estimate of the allergen quantities it's picking up. In addition to its primary multi-surface floorhead, it comes with a floorhead that includes a soft roller and a laser light to help identify fine debris and pet hair on hard floors. The battery lasts up to an hour, which is pretty lengthy for this type of vacuum. Its performance on bare floors is exceptional, and it does a very good job of handling debris on low- and high-pile carpets.

Unsurprisingly, given the vacuum's small size, its dirt compartment is tiny and needs frequent emptying. If that's a problem, consider the pricier Dyson V15 Detect; it has a larger dustbin and a more powerful suction motor. However, at almost 6.5 pounds, it's noticeably heavier than the compact V12. The Samsung Jet 90 Complete is another good alternative to the V12, with a bigger dustbin and only a slightly heavier body, but it lacks the Dyson vacuum's automatic power adjustment system.

The Samsung Jet 60 is the best lightweight vacuum cleaner we've tested at the mid-range price point. Compared to our top pick, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, this cordless stick vacuum has a less powerful suction motor and uses a smaller-capacity battery pack with a max runtime of about 40 minutes. Otherwise, it's pretty similar; it also comes in at just over five pounds, making it remarkably easy to pick up and carry from room to room. Despite its lightweight construction, it's made of solid-feeling plastic and sports a relatively high-capacity dustbin that won't need regular emptying. This vacuum's five-stage filtration system is also very effective in trapping allergens. Unfortunately, while the Jet 60's Jet Fit floorhead provides good debris pickup on low- and high-pile carpets, it isn't as effective on hard surfaces like tile or hardwood as the Dyson.

If you're looking for a relatively affordable cordless model, check out the Wyze Cordless Vacuum. As you get to this price point, build quality tends to diminish, and the Wyze is no exception; it has a cheap-feeling plastic chassis that scratches easily. But if you are okay with this compromise, there's a lot to love here. The Wyze is just as portable as the mid-range Samsung Jet 60, with a curb weight of just over five pounds. It also performs well on surfaces like linoleum or hardwood and does a good job on carpets, too. Rare for a cordless vacuum in this price range, it comes bundled with a HEPA filter that's fairly effective in sealing allergens. However, like any bagless vacuum, you must be careful when emptying its dustbin. Its battery performance isn't bad either; it can run for almost an hour in its most energy-efficient configuration, which exceeds the pricier Samsung vacuum's max runtime.

If you want to spend as little as possible on a lightweight vacuum, check out the BISSELL Featherweight Stick. At just about three pounds in total weight, this basic vacuum is even lighter than the vast majority of cordless stick models like the Wyze Cordless Vacuum, making it one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for elderly users. However, unlike the Wyze and most pricier alternatives, it isn't cordless, and you'll need to swap outlets often when cleaning larger areas due to the power cord's short length. It also has a small, weak suction motor and a rudimentary pure suction floorhead, so it struggles to lift debris from carpets and crevices, especially as its tiny dustbin fills up. Thankfully, it does an excellent job dealing with pet hair and other lightweight debris on hard surfaces.

If you prefer the added debris capacity of an upright vacuum, the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is a good option. While it's a little heavier than a conventional stick vacuum like the Samsung Jet 60, it's still much lighter than a traditional corded upright. Its cordless design also ensures you don't have to stay close to an electrical outlet while vacuuming far-away areas. It comes bundled with a 4.0Ah battery pack that yields up to 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge. While its battery life drops to a little over 20 minutes in its most powerful mode, that's still longer than most cordless stick vacuums at a similar price point. Since it's part of Hoover's ONEPWR product lineup, which shares interchangeable battery packs, you can easily pop in another pack for longer cleaning sessions.

This vacuum performs well on bare floors, though you'll need to turn off its brushroll to prevent it from scattering debris around. While you might need to make an extra go-around to clear away fine material, it also does a good job dealing with debris on low- and high-pile carpets. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a HEPA filter or an allergen-sealed body, resulting in terrible air filtration performance. Finally, while the original version may be hard to find, Hoover has released a new revision (BH53422V); it's identical in features, battery capacity, and construction, though.

The Eureka Mighty Mite is a good choice if you're looking for a lightweight corded canister vacuum. While it doesn't have the grab-and-go convenience of a cordless vacuum and is heavier than the BISSELL Featherweight Stick it's considerably lighter and smaller than most other canister vacuums, meaning you can pull it around, pick it up, and carry it with minimal effort. It also does a better job with bigger messes than the BISSEL thanks to its debris-pickup performance. Its straightforward design makes it easy to swap out its filters or put in a new dirtbag. Unfortunately, its power cord is short, so you'll probably need to swap outlets when cleaning larger areas.

This vacuum does a fantastic job of cleaning even surfaces and is effective on low- and high-pile carpets. While its floorhead doesn't have a motorized or air-driven brushroll for improved surface agitation, it does have bristles that you can retract to help generate a tighter seal on rugs and carpets. If you prefer using a bagless option and don't mind the less hygienic debris disposal that comes with shaking out a dustbin, the Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister is a similarly performing alternative that's very portable, though it does have an even shorter power cord.