The Best Vacuum Cleaner For Apartment
How limited is your storage space? If you’re like most people living in apartments, you probably struggle with this, especially if your vacuum is large and bulky.
You might want to think about replacing it with a lightweight and more compact vacuum. Those meant for apartment cleaning often offer convenient storage solutions, wall mounting, automatic cord rewind, and on-board accessory storage.
We included some of the top vacuum cleaners for your apartment and a guide to help you pick.
| Product Name | Weight | Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell 9595a | 15 lbs | Canister | 2 years |
| Eureka NEU100 | 7.7 lbs | Upright | 1 year |
| Bissell Aeroswift | 12 lbs | Upright | 2 years |
| Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Lightweight | 3.74 lbs | Stick/Handheld | 1 year |
| iRobot Roomba 640 | 1.65 lbs | Robotic | 1 year |
Black + Decker Ultra Lightweight | 9.1 lbs | Upright | 1 year |
| Dyson Cyclone V10 | 5.88 lbs | Handheld/Upright | 2 years |
| Hoover Vacuum SH20030 | 9.55 lbs | Upright | 2 years |
| Dirt Devil Cleaner Bagless UD20015 | 11.81 lbs | Upright | 1 year |
| Shark Upright & Canister | 10.6 lbs | Upright/Canister | 5 years |
| Shark Wandvac Handheld WV201 | 1.4 lbs | Handheld | 2 years |
| MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum | 3.5 lbs | Handheld/Upright | 2 years |
| Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum | 3 lbs | Stick | 1 year limited |
| Bissell Zing | 10.23 lbs | Canister | 1 year |
| Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292) | 3.7 lbs | Handheld | 5 year limited |
Vacuum Cleaner for Apartments
Bissell 9595a
The innovative brush design of this upright/canister vacuum cleaner cleans quite a lot on the initial pass. It rotates down into your carpets in order to get to even the most embedded dirt. You can adjust its height to fit hard floors, though keep in mind that the brush roll cannot be turned off, so it’s not suitable for hardwood.
Its Cyclonic System makes it the best vacuum for apartment with pets since it picks up pet hair and debris with ease. On top of that, it comes with a TurboBrush tool for stairs, upholstery, furniture, and more. This upright has multi-level filtration and a dirt tank that’s quite easy to empty.
To learn more about this cleaner, visit our in-depth Bissell 9595a review guide.
Specifications
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Dirt Tank Capacity: 2.0 L
- Brush Roll Type: OnePass
- Cord Length: 25 ft
Pros
- 25ft cable
- Washable foam tank filter
- 2.0L dirt tank capacity
Cons
- Bush roll can’t be turned off
Eureka NEU100
This Eureka upright has a quick-release handle for above-floor cleaning. It’s the best vacuum for apartment for people with small to medium spaces looking to clean everything with a single vacuum.
It comes with a crevice tool and a dusting brush for cleaning windows, upholstery, stairs, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas.
This one is suitable for all floors and has such powerful suction that it will pick up everything from fine dust to large pet kibble or litter. Its cleaning path measures 10.5’’ so you can finish the entire cleaning process rather quickly.
Pros
- Attachments are stored on the vacuum
- Wide cleaning path
- Lightweight
Cons
- It’s loud
Bissell Aeroswift
Aeroswift is a bagless upright that’s comfortable and easy to use on all floors. It’s ideal for apartments with both carpets and bare floors thanks to its five height-adjustment settings.
This one has a long reach and comes with a rotating TurboBrush tool, extension wand, and crevice tool. These make the Aeroswift vacuum versatile and convenient.
What makes it stand out is the bottom-empty dirt bin that’s specially designed to reduce contact with its contents. The disposal is quick and easy, with just a press of a button. It weighs 12 pounds and has a 1L dust cup along with a 30ft of power cable.
Specifications
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Height: 42.7 inches
- Power Cord Length: 30 ft
- Dirt Cup Capacity: 1 liter
- Warranty: 2-year
Pros
- Cyclonic technology
- Twist-and-snap hose
- Easy to empty
Cons
- No cord rewind
Dirt Devil Simpli Stik Lightweight
If you live in a limited space and your apartment is more on a small side, you might want to consider this stick vacuum. This is among the most convenient and versatile options since it’s convertible and contains three units in one.
Depending on the mess you’re cleaning, you can choose between a stick vacuum, a handheld, and an extended hand vac. Plus, it’s quite simple to convert from one to another.
It’s a bagless stick vacuum cleaner that weighs only 3.74 pounds for easier use and storage. More so, it cleans all floors, even hard floors.
This stick vacuum comes with a washable filter that lowers maintenance costs in the long run. You can give it a quick rinse whenever you feel the need, but make sure to allow it at least 24 hours to dry before next use.
Pros
- 3-in-1 cleaner
- Lightweight
- Ideal for hard to reach areas
Cons
- Tends to overheat after 10 minutes
iRobot Roomba 640
A robot vacuum is among the best options for all apartments, small and big. With that said, Roomba is probably the most popular choice when it comes to these innovative units.
It has a 3-Stage Cleaning system along with Dual Multi-Surface Brushes that pick up large and small debris, dust, pet hair, etc. Its patented Dirt Detect sensors alert the robot when to work harder because of some piled dirt in certain areas.
It also comes with navigation sensors that help the robot vacuum cleaner under the furniture and around different objects and obstacles. On top of Smart Navigation, Roomba also comes with Auto-Adjust cleaning head that makes it suitable for both floors and carpet.
Its Edge-sweeping brush is designed at a 27° angle to get all the debris and pieces of dirt away from edges and corners. Roomba cannot fall down the stairs thanks to its Cliff Detect sensors.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.65 lbs
- Filter: High-efficiency
- Vacuum suction: 10x power + deeper cleaning on carpets
Pros
- 90 minutes of runtime
- Docks and recharges automatically
- Comes with an extra filter
Cons
- No scheduling option
Black + Decker Ultra Lightweight
This Black & Decker canister vacuum is ideal for all apartments, small and big, provided you have enough storage space where you’d keep it. It weighs 8.8lbs and measures 12×12.5×41.9 inches.
Not only it’s lightweight and easy to carry, but this one has swivel steering that makes it that much easier to maneuver with. Its handle is ergonomically designed for comfort that’s especially useful for larger apartments.
It has a fairly large dust cup with a capacity of 2L in total. This can hold quite a lot of dirt, debris, pet hair, and other gunk piled on your floor. On top of that, it’s equally as suitable for floors and carpet.
The canister is easy to empty as there’s no actual contact with the dirt inside. Plus, it has washable filters meaning reduced maintenance cost.
Specifications
- Weight: 9.1 lbs
- Cleaning Path Width: 12 inch
- Cord Length: 30 ft
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- Comes with several accessories
- Suitable for pet owners
- Replacement belt is included
Cons
- The hose is somewhat short
Dyson Cyclone V10
If you’re looking for compact and simple vac, you should consider the Cyclone V10. Dyson is by far one of the leading names in the industry, so its vacuum cleaners are always worth considering.
It’s a stick vacuum cleaner that’s tested to ASTM F558 and has up to 60 minutes of run time with a non-motorized tool. It requires about 3.5 hours to charge.
Its convenience is in the way it saves battery. There’s an instant-release trigger meaning that power is only used while you’re cleaning, so you’ll have to keep it pressed in order to run the vac. In its highest power mode, you get about 20 minutes of fade-free suction.
Dyson has a fully-sealed HEPA filtration system that keeps 99.97% of dust and particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. It expels clean air meaning it’s suitable for allergy-prone people.
Specifications
- Weight: 5.88 lbs
- Bin Size: 77 liters
- Motor Technology: V10 digital motor
Pros
- Convenient docking station
- HEPA filter
- Lightweight and cordless
Cons
- The power button doesn’t lock
Hoover Vacuum SH20030
Hoover SH20030 is a good option for everyone who struggles with storage space. It’s a lightweight and compact vacuum that’s easy to use and store away in tight areas.
This one has a brush roll with Cyclonic Technology which helps the vacuum go from hard floors to area rugs with ease. Plus, it has edge-cleaning bristles for getting the dust away from corners and edges.
Because it weighs only 8 pounds, this one isn’t as suitable for dense carpets. Still, it’s great for floors and low-pile carpets.
The way it’s designed makes it easy to fit in tight areas, under the furniture, and around other obstacles. It has non-marring wheels that won’t damage your bare floors either. On top of that, swivel steering helps with maneuverability that’s always important.
Specifications
- Weight: 9.55 lbs
- Filter: Cyclonic filtration
- Edge Cleaning Bristles: Removes dirt up against edges
Pros
- 30ft. power cord
- Low-profile base
- Washable filter
Cons
- A bit too lightweight for dense carpets
Dirt Devil Cleaner Bagless UD20015
Small and medium apartments require an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner such as this Dirt Devil cleaner. It’s a durable upright that’s simple to use and maintain though it’s corded and seems bulky.
Much like all upright and bagless models, it looks quite big and heavy. However, the vacuum weighs less than 10 pounds so you won’t have any issues using it in your apartment. Its 11-inch wide cleaning path and Cyclonic Filtration pick up even the most persistent dirt, hair, debris, and different gunk.
Dirt Devil UD20015 is suitable for both carpets and bare flooring. It has Scuff Guard, so it doesn’t scratch the delicate finish of your floor when picking up debris.
It comes with a crevice tool as well as a combination dusting brush and upholstery tool. Its handle is made of metal and makes transportation and carrying easier.
Pros
- HEPA filter
- 20ft. power cord
- Wide cleaning path
Cons
- It’s loud
Shark Upright & Canister
This Shark has no maintenance costs since it’s a canister vacuum and comes with washable filters. It features the brand’s well-known Never Lose Suction technology for prolonged cleaning.
It weighs around 10 pounds and is quite easy to use. It doesn’t have swivel steering, but the way it was built allows hassle-free use and maneuverability at all times.
This one has a brush roll that you can shut off, meaning the vacuum cleaner is multi-surface and suitable for both carpets and hard floors. It has a large dust cup of 1.8 dry quarts usable capacity that empties at the bottom, making the process simple and hygienic.
The vacuum comes with several attachments such as a dusting brush. On top of that, it pulls itself along so you won’t feel any strain after vacuuming for a while.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Hygienic emptying
- For carpets and bare flooring
Cons
- The hose could be longer
Shark Wandvac Handheld WV201
If you want something to use in between using your full-size vac, you should consider this Shark handheld vacuum cleaner. It’s compact, lightweight, and well-balanced for easy cleaning and maneuverability.
Its high-speed, brushless motor provides continuous suction while the filtration technology traps even the smallest debris. The vacuum is ideal for maintaining your flat clean, so you don’t always have to pull out your heavy full-size vac.
The vacuum has a tapered nozzle that picks up fine dust as well as larger debris. On top of that, it comes with a Duster Tool and Multi-Surface tool for pet hair, upholstery, and carpets.
Specifications
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Battery: Lithium-Ion Battery
- Recharge Time: 2.5 hours
Pros
- Weighs 1.4 lbs
- Washable filter
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- It’s super loud
MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
This multifunctional vac is suitable for all floor types from carpet to bare flooring. It changes to handheld and is quick to clean all types of messes on your floor, stairs, walls, furniture, etc.
It comes with a built-in brushless motor providing 15kpa powerful suction. The 2500mAh battery is rechargeable and allows up to 30 minutes of cleaning.
This one comes with cyclone, honeycomb and HEPA filters to catch even the smallest particles and bacteria. It expels clean air, so it’s suitable for allergy-prone people.
It features plenty of attachments, so you get a 2-in-1 dusting brush, mini cleaning brush, sofa brush, electric floor brush, and a wall mounting.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Filtration System: High-efficiency
- Motor: 150W High-Powered
Pros
- LED headlights
- Converts into handheld
- HEPA filter
Cons
- Tools attach by suction
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
Bissell Featherweight Stick is among the most convenient and easy to use. It’s a stick vacuum cleaner with strong suction to pick up pet hair, dust, dirt, and other debris.
Featherweight is among the best for quick cleanups but it’s also efficient for regular maintenance.
This Bissell works as three machines as it converts into a hand and stair vacuum. It comes with a crevice tool and a nozzle for floors and stairs.
It’s a good choice for both carpets, low-pile rugs, sealed hard floors, and other similar surfaces.
Another thing worth noting is that this one is bagless. It features a 0.67 liter dust cup that’s easy to empty and clean.
It’s corded and features a 15ft long power cable. On top of that, it has standard filtration and weighs 3 pounds.
Pros
- Convertable
- Long crevice tool
- For all floor types
Cons
- Short power cord
Bissell Zing
Bissell Zing is among the best choices if you’re looking for the best canister vacuum cleaner. It’s a bagless vacuum with a 2-liter dust cup that’s easy to remove and clean.
It’s one of the best vacuums for eco-friendly cleaning regardless of whether you have hard floors or carpet areas. It features height adjustment settings, allowing you to go from one type of floor to another.
Another thing worth noting is its filtration system. It has dust cup filters along with a motor filter to capture fine dust and particles. All filters are washable and reusable, making it an eco-friendly choice.
It’s a corded vacuum, featuring a 15ft long cord that rewinds within the machine for easier storage.
It weighs less than eight pounds, so it’s easy to carry around. Plus, it has an integrated carrying handle that makes the process even easier.
Pros
- Efficient filtration
- Environmentally friendly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thin hose
Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac (HV292)
Shark Rocket HV292 is a portable and lightweight hand vacuum. It weighs less than four pounds and is ideal for spot-cleaning and quick cleanups around your apartment.
This Shark is one of the best choices if you have pets or children who often make small messes. It takes only a few minutes to set it up and clean whatever mess you’re working with.
On top of that, this Shark comes with a True Pet Motorized Brush for deep cleaning. It features an easy-to-empty dust cup that empties with the touch of a button.
One thing worth noting is its power cord. It’s only 15 feet long, which is usually a little too short for most people. However, it should be enough in this case since it’s a hand vacuum.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Easy to empty
- Several tools included
Cons
- Short reach
Buying Considerations
Size
If you have limited space, you should consider a vacuum that’s compact and easy to store away. In this case, it might be best to opt for a cordless stick vacuum since those are quite slim and fit into tight spaces, unlike a canister vacuum. On the other hand, if you have somewhat more space, you should consider an upright.
Weight
Weight is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner for an apartment. The last thing you want is a heavy vacuum to drag it around your place.
This is especially important if you have a smaller apartment because a heavy vacuum is tricky to move around the furniture.
Best cordless stick vacuum cleaners and handheld vacuums are by far the easiest to work with in an apartment. They’re typically pretty lightweight and easy to store.
Canister and upright vacuum cleaners are usually the heaviest, although you might come across some lightweight vacuums.
Type of Floor
Some vacuum cleaners are more suitable for cleaning hardwood floors, while others can only tackle carpets. If you have both, the best vacuum for apartment in your case would have height adjustment and a brush roll that can be shut off.
Extra Features
Many vacuums come with specialized features that make the cleaning process easier. Some of these features might not be as useful to you but many are worth considering.
Look for a vacuum with adjustable height, especially if you have both carpet areas and hard floors. You can go from an area carpet to plush carpets and a hard floor with ease.
Also, you might want adjustable suction if you have combined floors. This makes the vacuum easy to move across different surfaces.
Other popular features include rotating brushes, cord rewind, and edge-to-edge cleaning brushes.
Pets
Pets that live in an apartment leave much more mess than those that live in a house with a garden. For this reason, you might want to consider getting a specialized vacuum for pet hair.
Some vacuum cleaners come with special tools that can pick up such type of mess. It’s either a Pet Multi-Tool or another kind of brush that will get the hairs and debris from your floors and furniture.
Cord or Cordless
You’ll also have to choose between corded and cordless vacuum cleaners. Both types have their pros and cons, meaning that you should always consider your needs and preferences if you live in an apartment.
A corded vacuum has unlimited runtime, making it easy to clean without thinking of battery life. However, it typically has a limited reach, meaning that you’ll need to switch sockets a few times.
The best cordless vacuum cleaners and handheld vacuums have an unlimited reach which is especially great for above-floor cleaning. But, it has a limited runtime, so it’s only suitable for a small apartment.
Think about which of the two types you find more convenient.
Attachments
Most vacuums cleaners come with several accessories though some have more than others. In most cases, you’ll get a dusting brush and a crevice tool which are the two basic attachments.
Still, many units come with more than just two accessories. You can find models with upholstery tools as well as with Turbo-brush tools. Attachments are crucial for cleaning curtains, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas, so make sure to consider which one of these you’ll need if you live in an apartment.
Portability
Portability is another significant factor you should think about when buying a vacuum for an apartment. Best vacuum cleaners are often lightweight and portable, but you should definitely double-check this.
Portability usually depends on the overall weight of the vacuum. However, it’s largely influenced by other factors like cord length, design, and size.
Does your vacuum of choice have a carrying handle? Is it lightweight enough for you to carry it around? Is it bulky or compact?
Ask yourself these questions when looking for a portable vacuum for apartment among these best vacuums.
Stairs
If you have stairs, you should consider a lightweight vacuum cleaner. The best vacuum for apartment, in this case, would be a convertible vacuum cleaner that can be used as a handheld for stairs.
If not, you can also get a stick vacuum since those are quite lightweight and easy to maneuver in such small areas, unlike a traditional canister vacuum.
Allergies
You need a vacuum with efficient filtration if you’re prone to allergies. Best vacuums for apartment have a HEPA filter. These trap even the tiniest particles and allergens, preventing them from going back into your breathing space.
Other filters include foam, paper, and cartridge filters. Disc filters are also a common choice, although they require frequent maintenance.
Keep in mind that some filters are washable and reusable while others are disposable. Also, check how to properly maintain your filtration system regardless of which one you choose.
Filtration is especially important for pet owners who live in a small apartment.
Price
Cleaners that have fade-free suction and come with plenty of adjustments and accessories are always more experience than those that come with no tools and are for one type of floor only.
For this reason, you should only think about the tools and adjustments that you’ll actually use in order to avoid paying for what you don’t need. If you’re looking for something on the cheaper end, then you can visit our vacuum cleaners that are under $100 guide.
Noise Level
Living in an apartment building means you can’t make noise anytime you want. You have to vacuum at appropriate hours and even then you might disturb your neighbors if your vacuum is too loud.
For this reason, look for a quiet vacuum cleaner that doesn’t make too much noise. In most cases, there aren’t any rules since some vacuums are simply louder than others.
Small attachments like a crevice tool tend to make a vacuum louder. Increased suction power might also affect its noise level.
Most vacuums produce noise at 70 decibels. Some produce less noise but are typically more expensive for this reason.
FAQ
Q:
What is the best vacuum for apartment with pets?
A: Cleaning pet hair is always tricky, but having a good vacuum cleaner makes all the difference.
Bissell 9595a is among the best upright vacuum cleaners for pet owners. It features a rotating brush for deep cleaning your carpet and picking up even the most embedded dirt and pet hair.
On top of that, it has adjustable height, making it easy to go from hard floors to carpet areas. However, you can’t turn the brush off, so try to avoid hardwood floors.
The Cyclonic System helps to pick up more with one pass. It’s a bit bulky, but you probably won’t have issues using it in a small apartment.
Q:
What is the best quiet vacuum for apartment?
A: Finding the best quiet vacuum for apartment might appear a bit challenging due to so many vacuums on the market. Although upright and canister vacuums seem the most efficient, they’re also the loudest.
Consider iRobot Roomba 640 is you’re on a hunt for the quietest vacuum cleaner. It might be the best option for hardwood floors, low-pile carpet areas, and area rugs.
It uses a three-stage cleaning system combined with dual multi-surface brushes for cleaning pet hair, crumbs, dust, dirt, and other similar debris.
It has dirt sensors that increase its suction power when near dirty areas. Plus, it also has navigation sensors that help it navigate your house and get the job done.
Final Thoughts
The first thing you should think about is the size of your apartment and the type of floor you have. Each cleaner we mentioned is made of quality materials and offers excellent performance.
Some are more versatile than others, but all of them are suitable for small to medium apartments. It’s up to you to figure out which one of these units would fit your needs the best.
Sources and Resources:
- What to Bring – What Not to Bring to University Apartments
– https://housing.ucla.edu/my-housing/moving-in/what-to-bring-what-not-to-bring-to-university-apartments
