Cleaning staircases can be nightmare! Pair that with having to lug a heavy and clunky vacuum cleaner up step by step as you try and balance and clean all at the same time.
Luckily for us, technology has gone a long way since the first vacuum cleaner was invented and you can now find lightweight and cordless vacuum cleaners that make vacuuming the stairs a smidgen easier.
The first cordless vacuum cleaner to launch was a cordless robotic vacuum in 1997. The vacuum made its debut on a well-known television show called Tomorrow’s World… fitting really don’t you think?
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. Womow Cordless Vacuum Cleaner  |
| Check Price |
2. ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner  |
| Check Price |
3. BISSELL Cordless Hand Vacuum  |
| Check Price |
4. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hand Vacuum  |
| Check Price |
5. BISSELL Icon Vacuum Cleaner  |
| Check Price |
6. APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner  |
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7. VACPOWER Cordless Hand Vacuum  |
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8. Shark Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum  |
| Check Price |
9. Orfeld Cordless Stick Vacuum  |
| Check Price |
10. MOOSOO Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner  |
| Check Price |
Vacuuming the staircase is most people’s worst nightmare. Having to dance around awkward cables and balance heavy vacuum cleaners is less than convenient.
Sure, cleaning your home is a chore and it is probably never going to be overly enjoyable, however, you do want to find ways to make the task as effortless as possible.
Fortunately for us, there are hundreds of vacuum cleaners on the market that are advertised to be the best on the market. The question is, are they worth it?
Sometimes the overwhelming choice can make a simple household purchase into a rather exhausting mission. Vacuum cleaners aren’t exactly a cheap purchase, and getting the right one for your needs is crucial as they are meant to last you a couple of years at least.
In this article, we are going to be reviewing 15 of the best cordless vacuum cleaners that are perfect for cleaning staircases. We are going to compare each of their features and benefits as well as discover what isn’t so good about the products. In the article Top 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Stairs we also explore some corded alternatives for those of us who like that option.
Before we dive into our top 10 product list, we are going to talk about what features are not suitable in a vacuum cleaner for your staircase. So, let us begin!
Structure
There is nothing worse than having to lug a huge vacuum cleaner up the stairs, let alone attempting to balance the vacuum cleaner and vacuum at the same time! Stairs are hard to clean anyway, so invest in a streamlined vacuum cleaner that will be easy to move around.
Removable Heads
Vacuum cleaners that do not have a removable vacuum head are a no-go. Removing the vacuum head is essential to allow you access to those hard to reach corners on your staircase.
Weight
These days vacuum cleaners that are heavier than 7 lbs are far too heavy to be used on staircases. The ideal weight for a staircase vacuum cleaner is between 3 and 4 pounds. Any more than that and you might struggle to move it smoothly, especially when the bin is full.
Cords
Ok, so you probably already know that corded vacuum cleaners aren’t a good idea considering you are reading this article. Cords will get in the way of your vacuuming, or worse, you could get yourself tangled up in them and fall over.
Assembly
Avoid vacuum cleaners that have lots of parts that need to be attached and detached before every vacuum. Staircase vacuum cleaners are only ever going to be on for 30 to 40 minutes, so you don’t want to spend too long assembling them for such a short job.
Battery Life
Vacuum cleaners with a battery life that is shorter than 30 minutes will not suffice for staircase cleaning.
Swivel brush roll
In order for you to clean swiftly, it would be in your best interest to purchase a vacuum cleaner that pivots easily. Vacuum cleaners that do not have a brush roll that swivels easily are notorious for being difficult to vacuum staircases, or any other area of your home for that matter!
Now that you know what to avoid in your vacuum cleaner, let’s move on to the review.
Our Best Cordless Vacuum Cleaners For Stairs Reviews and Comparisons
1. Womow Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Product Highlights
Lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner ideal for quick and daily cleanup jobs.
Features
- 2.9 lb
- Cordless design
- Battery operated
- 40-minute battery life
- 22.2V lithium-ion battery
- 5 indicate lights
- Suitable for low pile carpets and hard floors
- Easy to maneuver
- Full-sized LED floor brush
- Converts to a hand vacuum
What We Like About Womow Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
You don’t have to run this vacuum over the carpet floor multiple times to get it clean which is great and extremely time-saving. It transitions well from carpet to hard floors without having to change any suction settings.
It is light enough to be used to vacuum curtains, simply lift the vacuum cleaner up and run it over the curtains! Lifting it up and downstairs is a treat and vacuuming the stairs is less of a chore.
The Womow cordless vacuum pivots easily and glides seamlessly on the stairs. If there are sharp corners on your staircase that are hard to reach with the standard vacuum head, turn the vacuum into a hand vacuum cleaner and hoover with ease.
Although the vacuum is so lightweight, it doesn’t feel flimsy or fragile in the slightest. The vacuum cleaner is super easy to store away and is compact and convenient.
What We Don’t Like About Womow Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The vacuum cleaner is very dainty therefore it clogs up quickly. This is particularly true if you try and vacuum lots of pet hair off your carpet.
Its suction strength needs to be a lot stronger to be able to lift embedded dirt and grime. Small items are particularly hard for the Womow cordless vacuum to lift.
As with most electric equipment, the battery becomes weaker and weaker over time. This is a completely natural and normal deterioration, however, it seems to happen rapidly with this vacuum cleaner. This is a bit disappointing considering when the product is brand new it only has 40 minutes of battery life when fully charged.
The wheels are difficult to clean which is frustrating as hair and other debris get wrapped up in them. If this issue isn’t addressed, it can stop the rear roller wheels from working altogether.
PROS
- Great for quick cleaning jobs
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Converts into a hand vacuum
CONS
- The vacuum runs for 40 minutes on a full charge
- For small cleaning jobs
2. ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Product Highlights
Cordless, battery-powered vacuum cleaner for hard floors and carpets.
Features
- Cordless vacuum
- 220 watts
- Automatic dust removal system
- Converts into a handheld vacuum
- 60-minute battery life
- Cleans up to 200 square meters on one charge
- 7-cell lithium-ion battery
- Capture 99.97% microscopic dust
- Mini-motorized tool
- Removes pet hair
- Docking station
- Brushless motor
- 4 suction modes
- Retractable extension tube
What We Like About ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Let’s start by talking about its storage solutions. It comes with a wall mount, screws, and a very easy to understand manual. The wall mount is an absolute lifesaver, it keeps your vacuum cleaner out the way and safe when it’s not in use.
Having a brushless motor means that hair and other bits of dirt and debris can’t get tangled up in it and ruin it. ORFELD cordless vacuum cleaner is fitted with the newest Japanese battery technology that gives you 60 minutes worth of vacuuming on a full charge, which is far more than other leading vacuum cleaners on the market.
The vacuum cleaner works on an auto function setting, this basically means that you don’t have to change the vacuum settings, it does it all for you. The ORFELD is easy to put together out of the box too which is handy.
You don’t just get the vacuum cleaner when you order the ORFELD, you receive two HEPA filters, a crevice tool, ceiling tool, brush cleaners, and two roller choices. What more could you want?
What We Don’t Like About ORFELD Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Over time the suction starts to fluctuate, one minute it is sucking up dirt brilliantly while the next it is struggling to lift even the lightest bits of debris. It is much louder than your average vacuum cleaner, let’s just say that you can’t hear yourself think when it is operating, let alone have a conversation with someone.
The vacuum cleaner is quite small, so much so that it is really only appropriate for your staircase and car. Using this to clean your whole home would take forever.
PROS
- Comes with tools
- Easy to assemble
- Has a wall mount
- Brilliant battery life
CONS
- Very loud
- FSmall and dainty
3. BISSELL Cordless Hand Vacuum
Product Highlights
Cordless hand vacuum with a lithium-ion battery.
Features
- Cordless
- Handheld
- Lithium-ion battery
- 0.7 liters dirt cup capacity
- Crevice tool included
- Upholstery tool included
- Motorized brush tool included
- Triple level filtration
- Easy to empty
What We Like About BISSELL Cordless Hand Vacuum
Vacuuming the stairs with it is a treat. It is so lightweight that you don’t even get tired while you vacuum. You can vacuum furniture and curtain with it too, as well as suck up pesky cobwebs from hard to reach places.
There are a total of three filters in this vacuum. Emptying the bin is easy and doesn’t make a mess either.
Its battery life is brilliant and the suction power does not deteriorate towards the end of the battery either. If you follow the battery charging advice, the battery should stay strong over time.
What We Don’t Like About BISSELL Cordless Hand Vacuum
The BISSELL cordless hand vacuum is quite fragile. If you knock it accidentally on furniture or against the wall, it almost certainly will chip or break.
It has been known to give electric shocks and sometimes even sparks at the plug. It is unclear if the issue is with the vacuum or the plug socket itself but it certainly is important to mention.
The vacuum struggles to suck up hair and sand. Not good if you have pets!
PROS
- Small and compact
- Handheld
- Great battery life
CONS
- Unimpressive suction power
- Not very versatile
4. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hand Vacuum
Product Highlights
‘Dustbuster’ handheld vacuum banishes dust, birt, debris, and pet hair.
Features
- Anti-tangle rubber bristles
- Extra-long crevice tool
- One-touch easy empty
- Battery-powered
- Washable filter and pre-filter
- 4.2 lbs
- Suitable for carpet
- 2 speeds
- XL bin
What We Like About BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hand Vacuum
Not only has the dust bin got a brilliant capacity, but you can also empty it without having to touch the dirt. Simply press the button and empty it into the bin.
You can vacuum your couch, car, and stairs easily with the BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum cleaner. It is very versatile and feels like an extremely premium handheld vacuum cleaner.
It is perfect for odd jobs and small spillages. If you have a small staircase without enough room to lug a heavy vacuum cleaner up and down them then this is for you.
What We Don’t Like About BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hand Vacuum
Although just over 4 lbs, it isn’t exactly heavy, though it is for a little handheld vacuum. Top that off with the weight of the dust and dirt that it picks up in its bin and you have yourself a heavy vacuum on your hands.
Hair gets tangled up in the vacuum and clogs it, frustratingly, the vacuum isn’t as easy to clean as you would hope. heavy, dry debris like pieces of macaroni or cornflakes are too heavy for the vacuum cleaner to lift.
PROS
- It has great suction power
- The suction speed can be changed
- Feels premium
- Made out of high-quality material
CONS
- Heavy
- Parts are hard to replace
5. BISSELL Icon Vacuum Cleaner
Product Highlights
A tangle-free brush roll with a Smart Seal filtration system for easy cleaning.
Features
- High-performance digital motor
- Cordless
- 22v lithium-ion battery
- Patented tangle-free brush roll
- Mess-free dust bin
- LED-lit crevice tool
- Comes with a turbo brush tool
- Comes with a dusting brush
- Converts into a hand vacuum
- Weighs 7 lbs
- Sealed filter
- 4 hour charge time
What We Like About BISSELL Icon Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum cleaner has been designed with pet owners in mind. It leaves the carpet so clean that it gives the feeling of a professional clean.
The BISSELL vacuum’s suction power is very strong and picks up both fine particles and big pieces of debris. You can use it to clean your car or turn it into a handheld vacuum to get into hard to reach places.
Its 3 power settings are adjustable to suit the mess you need to clean. Finally, we loved how the vacuum fits perfectly on the staircase and it makes the job run smoothly.
What We Don’t Like About BISSELL Icon Vacuum Cleaner
The vacuum doesn’t stand up on its own making storing it away challenging. In order to pack it away nicely, it needs to be dismantled and put into a cupboard.
You can get about 30 minutes of battery life on a full charge, which is pretty rubbish if you consider that it takes 4 hours to charge! It seems to lose suction with certain extension pieces as the hose gets longer.
PROS
- Comfortable
- Portable
- Cleans stairs well
- Gives that new carpet feeling
CONS
- Poor battery life
6. APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Product Highlights
A 4-in-1 stick vacuum cleaner with a large 1.2-liter bin capacity.
Features
- Battery-powered
- 120 watts
- For hard floors and carpets
- Cordless
- LED floor brush
- 3.7-4.65 ft telescopic rod
- Wall mount dock included
- 10 KPA suction
- 35-minute battery life
- 1.2-liter bin capacity
- One-click bin emptying
- 4.5 hour charging time
- Weighs 3 lbs
What We Like About APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The vacuum is extremely lightweight yet feels luxurious and sophisticated. It only weighs 3 lbs, so moving it around the house and up the stairs isn’t challenging.
The APOSEN cordless vacuum picks up dust and grime of hard and carpet floor. This is beneficial to you so that you don’t need to have more than one cleaning solution in your home for each floor type.
It operates quietly and doesn’t interfere with conversations going on in the same room. You can also vacuum your home in the evenings while the children are sleeping with confidence that they won’t wake up from the noise.
What We Don’t Like About APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The battery life is not great from the moment it is taken out of the box. It only has a battery life of 35 minutes and a charge time of 4.5 hours. That is not considered a lot of battery life at all, especially when over a period of time the battery deteriorates.
The dust din is situated at the top of the vacuum near the handle. Once the dust bin fills up, the lightweight 3-pound vacuum becomes very heavy and off-balance
Heavy debris such as cat litter can not be picked up with this vacuum cleaner. It just moves heavy debris around the room which is very frustrating.
PROS
- Quiet
- Easy to maneuver
- Comes with a wall mount
CONS
- Poor battery life
- Poor design
7. VACPOWER Cordless Hand Vacuum
Product Highlights
Portable handheld vacuum cleaner with a rechargeable li-ion battery.
Features
- Washable HEPA filter
- Cordless
- Rechargeable
- Comes with 3 attachments
- 65-watt high power motor
- Charging takes 3-4 hours
- 30 minutes of battery life
- Fitted with LED lights
- Low noise
What We Like About VACPOWER Cordless Hand Vacuum
The vacuum cleaner is great for general maintenance. If you have a narrow staircase that is hard to clean with a regular stick vacuum then you would benefit from the VACPOWER vacuum greatly.
It takes less time than other leading cordless rechargeable vacuums to charge fully. The vacuum has a battery life indicator that shows you exactly how much battery life the appliance has.
What We Don’t Like About VACPOWER Cordless Hand Vacuum
Its suction power can be temperamental. There is no consistency in its reliability and no real reason why it malfunctions every now and then.
It is mostly made of plastic which feels quite cheap. The pieces can easily break if you knock them accidentally while you clean.
For seriously messy areas, the suction power simply isn’t enough. We would only recommend this vacuum for maintenance pick-ups only.
PROS
- Multi-functional
- Has a useful battery life indicator
- Compact and convenient
CONS
- Unreliable
- Lacks power
8. Shark Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum
Product Highlights
Cordless and bagless hand vacuum with super suction to lift pet muck and grime.
Features
- 0.56 quarts dust cap
- Extra-large detachable motorized brush
- Detachable filter
- Washable filter
- 4.25 lbs
- Dual-action
- Comes with a charging stand
What We Like About Shark Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum
Vacuuming the stairs is a breeze with the Shark Pet Perfect II vacuum. The vacuum head is wide enough to comfortably clean each step quickly, all while being relatively compact.
Filters are washable and detachable which in the long run saves you money on replacements. The charging stand is great too and makes storing the vacuum away easier.
What We Don’t Like About Shark Pet Perfect II Hand Vacuum
You must charge it for 20 hours for the first charge, then for 16 hours every time the battery dies. That is a very, very long time to have to charge a vacuum cleaner. Market leaders have a charging time of approximately 4 hours.
Replacement parts are hard to come across and should be purchased directly from Shark. Understandably, over time parts will malfunction, but it is less than acceptable that you can not find replacements easily.
PROS
- Convenient
- Cleans steps well
- Reliable
- Durable
CONS
- Long charge time
- Low suction power
9. Orfeld Cordless Stick Vacuum
Product Highlights
4-in-1 lightweight, upright vacuum cleaner.
Features
- 120 watts
- For hard floors and carpets
- 40 minute run time
- 180-degree folding handle
- Lightweight
- Ultra quit
- Self-standing
- Cyclone HEPA filter
- Easy to store
What We Like About Orfeld Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Orfeld cordless vacuum cleaner picks up hair, dog food, cat litter, cereal, beans and more. It performs well on all floor types and doesn’t need to be run over a spot multiple times to clean the area.
It weighs 6.6 lbs, so feels rather durable in comparison to very lightweight vacuum cleaners. Storing it away isn’t a bother as it stands on its own and is relatively compact.
What We Don’t Like About Orfeld Cordless Stick Vacuum
Although it is advertised as a vacuum cleaner that is suitable for all floor types, it certainly isn’t. It scratches hardwood floors terribly and should never be used on delicate floor types.
It is made mostly of plastic. This is a bit odd considering it is heavier than most cordless vacuum cleaners.
PROS
- Stands alone
- Easy to store
- Durable
- Feels premium
CONS
- Heavy
- Scratches floor
10. MOOSOO Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Product Highlights
Powerful 4-in-1 suction stick vacuum cleaner that can be transformed into a handheld vacuum.
Features
- For hard floor and carpet
- 120 watts
- Battery-powered
- HEPA filter
- Cleans in every corner of the house
- For cars, curtains, sofas, stairs and more
- Li-ion battery
- Wall mount
- Cyclonic filtration system
- Weighs 3.3 lbs
What We Like About MOOSOO Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
We loved how convenient the vacuum is. You can use it on upholstery and it cleans amazingly. Using it on your carpet floor is a treat, it picks up dirt with just one swipe of the vacuum.
The wall mount is very handy and makes putting the vacuum away easy if you don’t have much storage space at home. Let’s not forget to mention it is very modern in design and has been constructed well.
What We Don’t Like About MOOSOO Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The fact that it is so light makes it feel toy-like and. It also must be charged for a very long period of time and still doesn’t have enough suction power to clean up embedded muck.
It has a metal pole that can sometimes give you an electric shock. Although electric shocks are not dangerous, they are uncomfortable and not something you want to be happening while you are deep in the cleaning zone!
PROS
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Lightweight
- Convertible
- Can be used on upholstery
CONS
- Toy-like
- Takes a long time to charge
Final Verdict
Our winner is the ORFELD cordless vacuum cleaner. We love how innovative and versatile it is. It can be used to clean your car, stairs, furniture and many other areas in your house.
It is so versatile that you might not even need to have another heavier-duty vacuum cleaner in your home for the bigger jobs. Just make sure that you plan out your cleaning. Clean one room at a time and before moving onto the next room, make sure there is enough battery in your cordless vacuum to complete the job.
Cordless vacuum cleaners are great but they take some getting used to if you usually vacuum with a corded vacuum cleaner. Once you get the hang of it and learn how much you can vacuum on one charge, I’m sure you won’t go back to corded vacuum cleaners again!
Which vacuum cleaner was the best for you?