The Best Stick Vacuums of 2025 – Tested by Bob Vila

If you’ve ever dragged a clunky upright vacuum across the house and thought,
“There has to be a better way,” 2025 is your year. The latest stick vacuums
are lighter, smarter, and stronger than everand the team at Bob Vila
literally put them to the test, running 15 popular models through weeks of real-world
cleaning to find the ones actually worth your money.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best stick vacuums of 2025,
highlight stand-out models from Bob Vila’s hands-on testing, and fold in insights
from other major U.S. reviewers like Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, RTINGS,
Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
Whether you’re battling pet tumbleweeds, Cheerios in every crevice, or fine dust that
makes your allergies riot, there’s a stick vacuum here with your name on it.

Why Stick Vacuums Rule 2025

Stick vacuums used to be “emergency only” cleanersfine for crumbs, useless for real mess.
Fast-forward to 2025 and many cordless stick vacuums rival (or beat) full-size uprights on
hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpet. Major testing labs now routinely rank high-end
sticks among the best vacuums overall, not just in their own category.

Corded vs. Cordless: Which Makes Sense for You?

Most of the top models in 2025 are cordless stick vacuums. They’re:

• Lightweight and easy to carry up stairs
• Great for quick daily cleanups
• Ideal for hard floors, area rugs, and low- to medium-pile carpets
• Often convertible to a handheld vacuum for cars, stairs, and upholstery

That said, corded sticks still have one superpower: unlimited runtime.
If you have a small space and a tight budget, something like the ultra-light
Bissell FeatherWeight from Bob Vila’s list gives you dependable suction without
ever worrying about battery life.

Stronger Suction, Smarter Features

Today’s best stick vacuums pack:

• High-suction motors (often rated in air watts) rivaling full-size cords
• Automatic suction adjustment based on floor type or detected dirt levels
• Laser or LED “dust reveal” lights that make invisible debris painfully visible
• HEPA or HEPA-style filtration that keeps allergens and fine dust in the bin, not in your lungs

Brands like Dyson, Shark, Tineco, Samsung, and others are all competing in this space,
and independent testers consistently find that the top-tier sticks are serious machines,
not just fancy dustbusters.

Great for Pets, Great for Allergies

If your home is 50% love and 50% dog hair, you’re in good company. Many of the
highest-rated stick vacuums in 2025 are built with pet owners in mind, featuring:

• Anti-tangle brush rolls that resist hair wrap
• Mini motorized tools for furniture and stairs
• Multi-layer filtration with sealed systems and HEPA filters

Reviews from Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, and RTINGS all highlight stick vacuums
with strong pet-hair pickup and sealed filtration as top picks for homes with allergies
or asthma.

How Bob Vila Tested 2025’s Best Stick Vacuums

The Bob Vila team gathered 15 of the most popular stick vacuums and used them
in real homes for about a month, testing them on hardwood, tile, rugs, and carpet.
They evaluated each model on performance, maneuverability, ease of use, and value,
then narrowed the lineup to eight stand-out picks.

The tests included:

• Everyday crumbs, tracked-in dirt, and leaves
• Pet hair on hard floors and soft surfaces
• Edge cleaning along baseboards and furniture
• Battery performance over whole-house cleanups

The result is a list that actually feels practical: models that didn’t just perform
well in a lab, but behaved like real partners in a normal, slightly messy life.

Top Stick Vacuum Picks of 2025 (Tested by Bob Vila)

1. Best Overall: Tineco Pure One S70 Stick Vacuum

The Tineco Pure One S70 took the top spot in Bob Vila’s tests, and it’s
easy to see why. It combines high suction with a lightweight frame and a vertical
docking station that charges the vacuum and neatly stores all the attachments.

Tineco’s 3DSense Pro Cleaning System automatically adjusts suction depending on how dirty
the floor is, and its EdgeSense tech boosts power near walls and baseboards, making it
great for corners that usually stay dusty. The headlight on the vacuum head illuminates
hard-to-see dust and hair, and the battery is rated to run up to around an hour or more
depending on the tools you useenough for many testers to clean 2,000 square feet in one go.

If you want one vacuum that can handle almost everythingcrumbs, pet hair, and daily
debriswithout feeling like a workout, this is the sweet spot.

2. Best Bang for the Buck: Bissell FeatherWeight Lightweight Stick Vacuum

The Bissell FeatherWeight isn’t flashy, smart, or app-connectedand that’s
exactly its charm. This simple corded stick weighs just about 2.6 pounds, converts to a
handheld, and is perfect for quick cleanups in small homes, dorm rooms, or apartments.

It doesn’t have the power to deep-clean thick carpet, but on hard floors and low-pile rugs
it punches way above its price tag. Think of it as your “grab-and-go” cleaner: always ready,
no charging required, and inexpensive enough that you won’t panic if someone drops glitter
on the rug (again).

3. Best Upgrade: Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Lite Stick Vacuum

If you like your vacuums with a side of sci-fi, the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Lite
is the upgrade pick from Bob Vila’s tests. It offers AI cleaning modes that sense floor type
and soil level, then automatically adjust suction to match.

The star feature is the All-in-One Clean Station, which empties the dustbin
into a sealed bag every time you dock the vacuum. No dust clouds. No “whoosh” in your face.
Just drop it in, walk away, and let the vacuum charge and reset for next time.

With multiple suction modes, strong cleaning performance on both hard floors and area rugs,
and a sleek design, it’s tailored to busy households that want top-tier performance and
minimal mess when emptying the bin.

4. Best for Small Spaces: Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum

The Levoit LVAC-200 is a smart pick if you live in a smaller home or
apartment and don’t need marathon runtime. Bob Vila’s testers liked its three-speed suction
control, anti-tangle roller, and lighted vacuum head, which makes dirt easier to see on hard
floors.

With a battery lasting up to about 30 minutes with the main head (and longer with attachments),
it’s not meant for giant houses. But for 1,000–1,500 square feet or targeted daily cleanups,
it hits a nice balance between performance, weight, and cost.

5. Best for Pet Hair: Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power Cordless Stick Vacuum

Pet owners, take note. The Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power Cordless Stick Vacuum
combines a powerful brush roll, anti-tangle design, and HEPA filtration with sealed technology
to trap dander and fine dust inside the vacuum.

In Bob Vila’s tests, this Shark excelled at pulling pet hair out of both hard floors and
carpets. The downside? It’s on the heavier side for a stick, so extended above-floor cleaning
can leave your arms a bit tired. But if your main goal is to stop living on a carpet of fur,
this is a strong contender.

6. Best for Dust Visibility: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

The Dyson V15 Detect is the model that made millions of people say,
“I wish I hadn’t seen that dust.” Its green laser illumination on the hard-floor head
makes microscopic particles show up like neon confetti, helping you see exactly where
you’ve cleaned.

With multiple power modes, strong suction, and a suite of attachments for floors, upholstery,
and crevices, it consistently ranks among the best cordless vacuums in independent testing.
It’s pricey and the dustbin isn’t huge, but for deep cleaning and tech lovers, it’s a star.

7. Best for Allergies: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum

The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum is built for people who want
cleaner air, not just cleaner floors. It uses a combination of washable foam filters and a
HEPA post-motor filter, plus fully sealed construction, to trap fine particles instead of
blowing them back into the room.

Its DuoClean Detect nozzle has two brush rolls that work in both forward and reverse,
helping to pull in more debris and hair. The flexible wand makes it easier to clean under
furniture without crawling on the flooralways a plus for backs and knees.

How to Choose the Best Stick Vacuum for Your Home

1. Match the Vacuum to Your Flooring

Before you fall in love with a sleek cordless model, check your floors:

• Mostly hard floors + area rugs: You have the widest choice; almost all premium sticks do great here.
• Lots of thick, high-pile carpet: Look for stronger suction, motorized brush heads, and models that independent testers say excel on carpet.
• Mixed flooring with pets: Consider a pet-focused model with tangle-resistant brushes and HEPA filtration.

2. Think About Battery Life and Runtime

Many mid- to high-end cordless stick vacuums now run 40–70 minutes on their lowest or auto
modes, which is enough for most homes if you’re not deep-cleaning every single day.
If you live in a larger house or like to vacuum in long sessions:

• Choose models with swappable batteries or
• Stick to corded sticks (like the Bissell FeatherWeight) for unlimited runtime

3. Consider Allergies and Air Quality

If someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or is sensitive to dust:

• Look for HEPA or HEPA-style filters
• Check that the vacuum advertises a sealed system, not just “HEPA” in isolation
• Empty the dustbin outdoors whenever possible

Reviewers at Consumer Reports and other testing organizations consistently highlight sealed
HEPA systems as a key feature for allergy-friendly vacuums.

4. Be Honest About Your Budget

In 2025, you can find solid stick vacuums under $200, strong midrange models in the
$250–$450 range, and high-end machines that easily cross $700 with fancy docks and
self-emptying stations.

• Budget (< $200): Great for apartments, light messes, and secondary vacuums.
• Midrange ($250–$450): Best value for most familiesgood suction, decent runtime, versatile tools.
• Premium (> $600): Usually adds smart features, lasers, clean stations, and very high suction.

If your home is busy, messy, and full of pets or kids, the extra investment can pay off in
time saved and frustration avoided. If you just need something better than a broom, you’ll
be fine in the budget category.

Simple Habits to Make Any Stick Vacuum Last Longer

• Empty the bin often. Overfilled bins reduce suction and strain the motor.
• Clean the filters regularly. A quick rinse (if washable) or gentle brushing keeps airflow strong.
• Check the brush roll for hair. Even “anti-tangle” systems appreciate a periodic cleanup.
• Store it properly. Use the dock or stand; avoid leaning it in ways that can cause falls and damage.
• Avoid large debris. Stick vacuums are best for everyday dirt, not LEGO bricks or gravel driveways.

With basic maintenance, many stick vacuums can last several years. Bob Vila notes that
typical lifespans range from about 2 to 7 years depending on build quality and how well
they’re maintained.

Conclusion: The Right Stick Vacuum Makes Cleaning…Almost Fun

The 2025 generation of stick vacuums doesn’t just tidy up your floors; it reshapes how
you think about cleaning. From the balanced power and ease of the Tineco Pure One S70,
to the budget-friendly Bissell FeatherWeight, to high-tech models like the Samsung
Bespoke AI Jet Lite and Dyson V15 Detect, there’s an option for every home and every
level of mess.

If you’re overwhelmed by choices, start simple:

• Pick your top priority: price, pets, allergies, or convenience.
• Match your square footage and flooring to the vacuum’s strengths.
• Decide whether you’d rather plug in forever or charge occasionally.

Do that, and the “best stick vacuum of 2025” won’t just be a list item on a websiteit’ll be
the one you reach for without groaning every time someone drops snacks on the floor.

Real-World Experiences With 2025’s Best Stick Vacuums

To bring all of this down to earth, imagine a few real homes where these vacuums shine.
In a busy family house with kids, a dog, and a mix of hardwood and rugs, the
Tineco Pure One S70 quickly becomes the “household favorite.” It lives on its
vertical dock in the hallway. When someone notices crumbs in the kitchen or dog hair on the
runner, they just grab it, tap the trigger, and let the automatic suction do its thing.
Because the head swivels easily and the built-in lights show exactly where the dust is hiding,
even reluctant teenage cleaners can’t complain that they “didn’t see it.”

In a small apartment, the situation looks different. Space is tight, outlets are at a premium,
and there’s nowhere to store a big dock. Here, a compact option like the
Levoit LVAC-200 or Bissell FeatherWeight feels just right. One renter
might keep the Bissell tucked behind a curtain or hanging on a hook, ready to sweep up
coffee grounds or cat litter in seconds. The cord isn’t a bother because the living space is small,
and the light weight makes it perfect for people who don’t want to wrestle a heavy machine every day.

Pet owners tell a different story. Imagine a couple with two long-haired dogs who shed as a
full-time job. They lean hard on the Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power or
Shark PowerDetect. The anti-tangle brush and sealed HEPA system mean that fur
doesn’t immediately wrap the roller, and fine dander isn’t blown back into the room.
They might vacuum every daysometimes twiceespecially during shedding season. Even then,
the vac’s runtime and suction keep up, and the mini motorized pet tools earn their keep on
couches and dog beds.

Then there’s the tech-loving homeowner. This is the person who checks battery percentage on
their phone, tracks smart-home energy usage, and secretly enjoys appliance dashboards.
For them, options like the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Lite or the
Dyson V15 Detect are irresistible. The Samsung’s AI mode and self-emptying
clean station feel like a cleaning robot’s sidekick, while the Dyson’s laser head and
particle readouts turn vacuuming into a strangely satisfying game of “how much dust can I beat
this time?” These buyers know they’re paying a premium, but they love the combination of
performance, design, and information.

Finally, think about someone with allergies who has tried every air purifier under the sun.
For them, switching from a basic vacuum to a sealed-HEPA stick like the Shark PowerDetect or
another highly rated HEPA stick can make a subtle but noticeable difference. Maybe they still
need medication and filters, but their dusting routine gets easier, the air feels less “stuffy”
after cleaning, and they’re less worried about stirring up a cloud of fine particles with
every pass. When they empty the dustbin outdoors and see the mix of fine grey dust, hair, and
grit, it becomes obvious why filtration matters so much.

Across all these scenarios, one theme repeats: the “best stick vacuum” isn’t just about
lab numbers or brand names. It’s about how well a vacuum fits real habits and real spaces.
When your cleaner is easy to grab, easy to push, and powerful enough to handle your daily mess,
you stop dreading the choreand that might be the biggest upgrade of all.