Many people have resorted to living in small apartments as the living expenditure is skyrocketing by the day. Even so, a small apartment or house has limited storage space for stashing such appliances as a full-sized vacuum cleaner. Tiny apartments present a huge challenge in storing a 40-pound sucking vacuum, and this is where you would need the best vacuum cleaner for small apartment.
Finding the best vacuum for small apartment is not a trivial task. Initially, it might seem like the cheapest vacuum cleaner is ideal for the job since you only have a small space to clean. However, cheap vacuum cleaners tend to clean your floors poorly, and they are likely to leave dust particles and pet hair behind.
The best vacuum cleaner for small apartment is easy to store, effective in cleaning, and stands up to the test of time. Having considered all factors, the best product that ticks all the boxes is the Shark Rocket Pet Plus. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and detailed review of the most excellent vacuum cleaners for small apartments.
Without further ado, let us dive right into the best apartment vacuum.
See Also: Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners in 2020
Our Top Apartment Vacuums
Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum
Light corded stick vac with a 3.2-pound hand vac.
- 3.2 lb detachable hand vac
- LED lights reveal debris
- 5-year limited warranty
Dyson V8 Absolute
Premium cordless stick with up to 40 minutes of run time.
- Converts to a handheld
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Only 5.75 lbs
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine Canister
Light bagged Miele canister for hard floors and low-pile rugs.
- 1200 W with 6 settings
- Sealed 4.8-quart dustbag
- 29.5-ft cleaning radius
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Apartment – Unbiased Review
1. Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum (HV322)
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Shark Rocket Pet Plus (HV322) is a corded stick vacuum aimed at homes with pets, where hair turns up on floors, stairs and furniture alike. It plugs in rather than running on a battery, so you get consistent power for the whole session, and the 25-foot cord covers a good stretch of floor between outlets.
Like other Rocket models, it converts into a hand vacuum, and Shark lists the hand vac at just 3.2 pounds, which makes it easy to lift for couch cushions, shelves and stairs. LED lights on both the hand vac and the floor nozzle help you spot hidden debris and pet hair, and Advanced Swivel Steering helps you turn around table legs and furniture. The XL-capacity dust cup is meant to let you keep cleaning longer between trips to the trash.
Shark includes a crevice tool and an upholstery tool and covers the vacuum with a 5-year limited warranty. It’s a good fit for pet owners in apartments and small-to-medium homes who want one light machine for both floors and furniture.
What we liked
- Hand vac weighs just 3.2 pounds
- LED lights on nozzle and hand vac
- Corded, so no battery to recharge
- Swivel steering helps around furniture
- Five-year limited warranty
What we didn’t like
- Corded design limits reach to 25 feet
- No HEPA filtration listed in Shark’s specs
The Rocket Pet Plus is a practical pick if you want a light corded stick that turns into a hand vac for pet hair on furniture. Just plan your cleaning route around the 25-foot cord.
2. Dyson V8 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum
This Dyson vacuum features the two-tier radial cyclonic design to guarantee excellent dirt extraction, exceptional suction, and low energy consumption. It provides not less than 40 minutes of powerful and fade-free suction by using a new lithium-ion battery, helping you suck up fine dust and large debris from hard floors. Another aspect that makes this cord-free vacuum stand out is the ease of transformation into a handheld vac, ensuring it can quickly spot clean hard-to-reach places.
The Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum comes with the hygienic dirt ejector which only requires a single action in order to eject dust from the bin. Also available is the whole machine HEPA filtration system for capturing allergens and expelling clean air to breathe. Above all, there is convenient docking station for charging the machine as well as holding additional attachments, so the device is ready to use at all times.
What we liked
- Exceptional suction power
- Up to 40 minutes steady run time
- Easily transforms to a handheld vac
- Lightweight and versatile at only 5.75 lbs
- Whole machine HEPA filtration mechanism
- Engineered to remove fine dust and ground-in dirt from carpets and hard floors
What we didn’t like
- The pistol grip is a little uncomfortable
- The dock does not hold all the attachments
Aside from these two minor issues, the Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum has tremendous lots of excellent features for vacuuming carpeted areas and hard floors with ease. For small apartment owners who desire convenience and versatility of a cord-free vacuum then this one would be a winner. It flaunts a remarkable design and build quality which surpasses the service you would expect from high-end brands.
3. Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine Canister (SBAN0)
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine (SBAN0) is Miele’s entry-level bagged canister, and it suits homes with mostly hard floors and low-pile rugs. If you like the idea of a sealed dustbag you can toss without a dust cloud, this is a straightforward way into Miele’s canister lineup.
A 1200-watt motor powers the suction, and a 6-stage rotary selector lets you dial it down for curtains or delicate rugs. The universal SBD 365-3 floorhead handles everyday floors, and you also get an upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle and dust brush with a stainless steel telescopic wand. Dust goes into a 4.8-quart HyClean GN FilterBag with a change indicator, backed by a motor protection filter and an AirClean exhaust filter. You can upgrade to Miele’s HEPA AirClean filter, sold separately.
The canister weighs 12 pounds, or about 13 pounds with accessories, and an 18-foot cord gives you a 29.5-foot operating radius, so you can cover a good-sized room from one outlet. A park system for pauses and storage, floor-friendly casters and Miele’s Silence system round things out.
What we liked
- 1200 W motor with 6-stage suction control
- Sealed 4.8-quart HyClean dustbag
- 29.5-ft operating radius
- Light at 12 lbs (canister only)
- Upholstery, crevice and dust tools included
What we didn’t like
- No motorized brush for deep carpet cleaning
- HEPA filter sold separately
- Ongoing cost of replacement dustbags
The Classic C1 Pure Suction is a strong pick for hard-floor homes that want a light, bagged Miele canister with simple controls. If you have lots of thick carpet, look at a model with a powered brush instead.
4. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S
Despite the high power, eufy BoostIQ RoboVac is engineered to provide the quietest possible operation at a volume no louder than a running microwave. The robot packs a myriad of premium features, such as drop-sensing tech to prevent falls, infrared sensor to dodge obstacles, and anti-scratch tempered glass-top coat to offer protection. It features large wheels which can climb over door ledges and roll over carpets to get the mess – ensuring non-stop and detailed cleaning.
The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac features a triple-filter system made up of an ingenious combination of one high-performance filter and a dual-layer filter to accomplish a clean and spotless home. It also boasts a large 0.6-liter dustbox that holds plenty of dirt in order to cut down the frequency of emptying. Most importantly, the robot is always ready to clean since it automatically retreats to the charging station when power is depleted.
What we liked
- Strong and consistent suction
- Super thin and lightweight at only 5.73 pounds
- Extended running time
- Quieter than a standard microwave
- Premium features
- Triple-filter system for a clean and spotless home
What we didn’t like
- No Google Assistant or Alexa compatibility
- No real-time notifications on the progress
The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S is the best robot vacuum for apartment whose super-thin design and powerful suction can take on dust and pet hair around your home on your behalf. Its auto-scheduling and multiple cleaning modes ensure a thorough and effortless cleanup while you relax. This robotic vacuum may be super-slim, but it comes packed with robust suction power to blast away dirt, dust, and crumbs from floors and carpets.
5. Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Upright Vacuum
This new model in the Oreck Magnesium product line weighs only 7.7 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest full-powered upright vacuums in the US. Aside from being light in weight, the Magnesium RS has got incredible suction power for cleaning all floors in your apartment, including upstairs and downstairs. The handle is furnished with the wireless dual-speed QuickSwitch, allowing you to choose your preferred power level and move rapidly across different floor types.
The Oreck Magnesium LW1500RS is equipped with large, high-performance wheels which give it the agility it demands for every surface – right from hardwood floors and tiles all the way to plush and frieze carpets. Also available is the HEPA inner bag, which traps 99.97% of particles as air enters the bag. For superior visibility, the unit includes award-winning LED headlights that illuminate dark corners and under tables to ensure no debris is left behind.
What we liked
- Super easy to maneuver
- So powerful with high-performance motor
- Very easy to assemble the vacuum and install the bag
- Ergonomic and comfy handle
- Easy to select the right power level
- Somehow difficult to push over carpeting when the power is set to high
What we didn’t like
- Somehow difficult to push over carpeting when the power is set to high
- The cord easily pops out of the clip while vacuuming
Regarding our bottom line, the Oreck LW1500RS is ideal for bare floors and carpeted surfaces. It delivers an incredible cleaning experience using a high-performance motor that spins the helix roller brush at an amazing 7,000 RPM. This highly effective and versatile vacuum cleaner can clean virtually any floor surface, such as long-pile carpets, hard floors, frieze carpets, etc.
6. BISSELL Adapt Ion Pet 2 in 1 Cordless Stick Vacuum
The product offers great quality and durability at an affordable price. Each unit of the machine bought contributes a sum of $10 to the Bissell Pet Foundation. A swivel steering allows you to maneuver easily around furniture and other obstacles while cleaning from room to room. The unit runs on a 10.8V lithium ion battery that provides you with significant cleaning time after being charged fully.
Removing pet stains from different surfaces has been made easier with this vacuum. It comes with specialized pet tools – which include pet upholstery tools and crevice tools – that effectively clean pet messes. The Brush Roll can be turned on and off by simply flipping a switch.
What we liked
- Compact and lightweight design – weighs only 7.48 pounds.
- It is a cordless unit that runs on Li-Ion battery.
- Swivel steering to easily maneuver around obstacles.
- 2-in-1 design that transforms the unit into a smaller hand-held vacuum.
- Specialized pet tools for cleaning pet stains.
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t work for large living spaces.
The Bissell Adapt Ion Pet 10.8V Lithium Ion 2 in 1 Cordless Stick Vacuum saves you the stress of limiting power cords. Being a cordless device, it facilitates versatility when cleaning. The specialized tools are also reliable for addressing pet stains and messes around the house.
7. Bissell 1984 Airram Cordless Vacuum
It combines a lay flat handle with swivel steering mechanism to give you the utmost maneuverability around and under furniture. The device consists of a removable dust bin with an integrated easy-empty slider which pushes out debris for graceful and mess-free emptying. The detachable battery comes equipped with flexible charging options to ensure you charge it with ease and resume work as soon as possible.
With a multi-surface brush roll and revolutionary power foot design, the Bissell 1984 Airram cordless vacuum delivers high-end cleaning on carpets and hard floors. Also, there are LED lights whose bright wide range illuminates hard floors so that you can spot and clean any fine dirt that other vacuums can’t touch. Storing this item is a breeze, thanks to the collapsible handle engineered for painless storage.
What we liked
- Powerful and fade-free suction
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Collapsible handle and swivel steering for trouble-free maneuverability
- No stupid cord to hinder your cleaning reach
- Provides seamless cleaning of different types of floors without having to turn off settings
- LED foot lights illuminate hard-to-reach places
What we didn’t like
- Battery life reduces after a couple of uses
- Plastic parts seem fragile
Overall, the Bissell Air Ram 1984 is a great machine that is lightweight, maneuverable, and superbly effective. For homeowners who want to ditch the cord and clean carpets and area rugs effectively, this model does it all. You can take advantage of its scratch-free, multi-surface brush roll for superior cleaning on all surfaces.
8. eufy HomeVac Lightweight Cordless Upright-Style Vacuum Cleaner
Being cordless and ultra-lightweight at only 5.82 pounds, the vacuum allows you to effortlessly go anywhere and clean up the mess with one pass. The eufy HomeVac Lightweight Cordless Upright-Style Vacuum Cleaner combines powerful cyclonic action with electronic brush roll to remove messes in one pass. It has a huge 0.9-liter dust capacity, which enables you to spend more time cleaning and less time emptying the trash.
Besides the lightweight design, eufy HomeVac Lightweight Vacuum features an agile body that slides under furniture and swivels around corners with ease, ensuring thorough cleanup of all traditional tough-to-reach zones. Additionally, it brings on board a high-performance double filter for trapping dust and minimizing the amount of impurities released back into the air. For ultimate storage, the unit has a slim design and easily slips into closet spaces.
What we liked
- Energy efficient suction power
- Smart technology and revolutionary design
- Lightweight and cordless
- High-performance dual filtration system
- Large capacity dust bag
- Worry-free warranty
What we didn’t like
- The brush system gets clogged with hair hindering the rotating mechanism
- Easy to touch the dirt while cleaning the HEPA filter
- List Element
Essentially, the eufy HomeVac is one of the best lightweight cordless vacuums for small apartments. Not only does it provide consistent and powerful suction, but it also features innovative design that makes home cleaning a breeze. The high-power mode gives you up to 22 minutes of running while Eco Mode doubles up the run time to a whopping 50 minutes.
9. Shark ZS351 Rocket Corded Ultra-Light Vacuum With Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap Technology
This vacuum has a self-cleaning brush roll so you don’t require scissors to wrestle with your brush roll and untangle hair, making cleaner-head maintenance a cinch. It is also a perfect car vacuum because it is not only easy to maneuver but also unfussy to convert to a handheld vac for cleaning auto interiors. With advanced swivel steering, you can easily clean up all messes hidden on the corners and crevices.
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded ZS351 is a true workhorse engineered for deep cleaning on carpets and bare floors. It comes equipped with an extra-large dirt cup to help you focus more on vacuuming and less on taking out the debris. Regarding the durability, the unit is made of durable PP and ABS plastics along with some rubber and metal components.
What we liked
- Delivers non-stop hair removal
- Powerful suction
- Cleans itself
- Easily transitions into a lightweight and portable handheld vac for vacuuming furniture, stairs, etc
- Advanced swivel steering
- Hands down durable
What we didn’t like
- Generates a lot of noise
- Fails to stand up on its own
Whereas the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded ZS351 has some downsides, you will acknowledge the fact that the advantages by far outweigh the disadvantages. The fit and finish are outstanding, and the pieces and parts are extremely easy to assemble. The cord is also long enough to clean the entire room without having to keep unplugging.
10. NEW Bissell 3 in 1 Lightweight Stick Hand Vacuum
Basically, this 3-in-1 model is designed to be a go-to vacuum for all cleanup needs throughout the home. It also provides the versatility of a stick vacuum, helping you get into those tough-to-reach areas and give them a deep clean.
What we liked
- Fairly powerful suction
- Super lightweight at 4.5 lbs
- Converts to a hand vac
- Easy-wrap cord storage
What we didn’t like
- 15-inch power cord is a little too short
Well, stick vacuums get a bad rap but this one is deservedly an exception. The suction of this little vacuum is highly likely to exceed your ultimate expectation. Aside from being lightweight and easy to use, this vacuum gets into tight spaces to pick up dirt, crumbs, and other debris nested on the crevices.
11. VonHaus 2 in 1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Moreover, it has a user-friendly design comprising a long 6-meter quick release power cord and smooth-rolling wheels for effortless maneuvering under furniture and around corners. It easily converts from an upright vac to a compact handheld unit at a simple press of a button. The vacuum is fitted with an advanced HEPA filtration system for collecting and trapping small particles in order to prevent them from circulating back into your room.
What we liked
- Small in size, big on power
- Easy to detach and empty dust container
- Hygienically advanced HEPA filter
- Affordable
- Multiple attachments – small brush attachment, crevice tool, shoulder strap, hose adaptor, etc
What we didn’t like
- Tends to overheat with continuous use
- The inner valve can become obsolete
The VonHaus 2-in-1 vacuum is an impressive unit which is easy to switch from a stick cleaner to a hand vac depending on the surfaces being cleaned. It does fit the bill perfectly since the suction is phenomenal when it comes to picking up the dog hair, kitty litter, grass clippings, dirt, and much more. The package also includes a crevice tool, extension tube, and a mini brush for detailed cleaning.
12. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Flex Handheld Vacuum With Pet Hair Brush, Cordless (BDH2020FL)
While it is primarily a hand vacuum, you can painlessly convert it into a stick vacuum with the blink of an eye. All you have to do is connect the stick attachment and start working on all floor types, such as tiles, carpets, and hardwood floors. Apart from cleaning various floor types, this vacuum is packed with the pet hair brush, making it ideal for pet owners.
At only 3.2 pounds, the BLACK+DECKER BHD2020FL is ultra-lightweight and portable so as to allow you to tackle all chores without draining your energy. The vacuum comes with lithium technology that affords robust suction and fade-free power for removing stubborn messes. The available 4-ft flexible hose gives you extended reach to eliminate dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
What we liked
- Packed with powerful fade-free suction
- Includes pet hair brush for stubborn pet messes
- Cordless and portable
- 3-stage filtration system
- Washable filter and bowl for thorough cleanup
What we didn’t like
- The filter rapidly clogs with small particulate matter
- The appliance is somehow noisy
- List Element
Aside from the above deal breakers, the BLACK+DECKER BHD2020FL is overall a strong vacuum for small apartments. It is not only packed with strong fade-free suction, but it is also ultra-compact and portable so you can tackle chores without lugging a full-sized vacuum. The device features the pet brush for cleaning stairs, carpets, and other upholstery.
Best Vacuum for Small Apartment Owners – Buying Guide
As we stated earlier, choosing the right vacuum cleaner for small apartment is not the easiest task. The current market presents hundreds of vacuum cleaners ranging from ridiculously cheap models to outrageously expensive ones. The features also vary immensely, with some being vital for you and others not meeting your needs.
Sometimes it is not easy to pinpoint exactly which features would suit your cleaning requirements, which is why we are going to clarify some points to simplify your decision-making. There are specific factors that ought to inform your decision making so that you can complete your chores more effortlessly and conveniently. Below are excellent qualities every vacuum for a small apartment should possess.
Size Is Key
Because you live in a tiny space, it would only be prudent to choose a vacuum that is simple and straightforward to store. The most ideal units for small apartments are either small or thin and long. At the same time, avoid opting for a machine that is too small in order to save you from having to empty it all the time.
Additionally, steer clear of units with insufficient power whose suction does not offer practical cleaning results. You might want to settle for stick and canister vacuums since they are more compact than most uprights. Handheld vacuums would also be a good option – though handhelds have a smaller dirt capacity and would call for more frequent emptying.
See also: 12 Best Corded Stick Vacuum in 2020
Floor Type
Focusing on the type of surface is equally imperative since cheaper vacuums are highly unlikely to clean both carpeted floors and smooth surfaces. You need to have a crystal-clear understanding of the type of surface you wish to vacuum for this will help you settle on the best option which suits the layout of your apartment. Take note of the fact that cleaning thick plush carpets is a far much different ball game to cleaning wooden floors or tiles.
Besides, not all apartments highlight the homogeneous flooring. Some small apartments showcase half tile and half carpet, whereby you can simply sweep and mop the tile portion. Such a floor type may also call for a vacuum whose adaptability is suitable for both carpets and hard floors.
Bagged or Bagless
Simply put, two types of vacuum cleaners exist: with bag and with no bag. Both vacuum types can clean your apartment pretty well, but they both have a couple of differences that could affect your choice.
Bagged vacuums are ideal for apartment owners who are allergic to dust or have asthma. Vacuum cleaners with bags are poised to dramatically cut down your exposure to dust to almost zero. The only problem is that these units will demand frequent replacement of bags, but you can easily find them at any supermarket at a ridiculously affordable cost.
On the other hand, there are vacuums without bags, otherwise known as bagless vacuum cleaners. Unlike bagged vacuums which use a lot of plastic bags, those without bags are extremely environmentally-friendly. They prove useful for small apartment owners who wish to limit using plastic bags as much as possible.
Lightweight
Whether you live in a mansion or a small studio apartment, you probably would not like to drag 20 pounds as you clean the house. You can go to the gym if you want to lift weights – literally.
But when it comes to vacuuming, the idea is to pick a lightweight unit for ease of portability around the house throughout the cleaning. Choose the best vacuum for a small apartment weighing around 10 pounds or less. Some handheld vacuums weighing less than 5 pounds can be perfect.
Corded vs. Cordless
The way the vacuum cleaner receives power is also one of the greatest parameters for choosing the best vacuum for small apartments. Of course, nearly every vacuum cleaner works on electric power, but the difference is on how this electric energy is delivered to the vacuum motor. The two primary design options comprise the corded vacuums and cordless vacuums.
Corded vacuums are more suitable for professional cleaners than their cordless counterparts. This is because they are generally bigger, run for extended periods, and have a larger capacity. These options can do a perfect job in vacuuming vast areas like corridors and halls,
Then there are cordless models which are small and easy to carry in your hand. Cordless vacuums run on batteries and thus have no reach limit. Regarding their drawbacks, cordless options have smaller canisters requiring frequent emptying, are less powerful than their corded equivalents, and their running time is limited by battery life.
Suction Power
You would be making a grave mistake if you forget to check whether the vacuum can actually do its job. When choosing the best vacuum cleaner for your small apartment, make sure to select one with enough suction power. An effective vacuum has the capability to get rid of dirt, dust, and other debris within and without your apartment.
Moreover, ensure that you choose a vacuum that meets or caters to your specific cleaning needs. For instance, if you own pets in your apartment, getting a vacuum that does not suck in pet hair is a waste of time. First, verify whether the unit is capable of removing pet hair and cleaning your specific kind of floor, such as carpeted surfaces, tiles, bare floors, etc.
Filtration
You also need to pay close attention to the filtration system prior to making any tangible purchase. A typical vacuum cleaner works by sucking up dirt particles through the hose, pushing them all the way to the bag, and then expelling the residual air through the back exhaust. Now, the ends of these exhausts have filters for catching and trapping the dirty particles to avoid ending up in your eyes and respiratory system.
Unfiltered air has various pollutants and allergens that may cause a runny nose and you are likely to get sick. It is best to buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, because they prove efficient in filtering unwanted impurities from the exhaust air. By the way, HEPA is an abbreviation for high-efficiency particulate air.
Attachments
Depending on what you expect from a vacuum cleaner, attachments may or may not be necessary for you. If you want an excellent workhorse that can handle a variety of tasks then it would be wise to buy a model with a set of attachments. Such attachments may comprise the smaller hose for cleaning your car, pet hair brushes for removing pet hair, squeegees, and so forth.
Otherwise, having many attachments is basically not obligatory if your intention is taking care of dirty carpets. You can simply get a model with a few attachments for your cleaning needs. For example, you might want to buy the best vacuum for small apartment featuring one or two essential hose additions to help you penetrate the carpet fibers for profound cleanup results.
Noise Levels
In as much as vacuum cleaners tackle dust and other debris on different surfaces, these devices are quite notorious in emitting high pitch sounds. More precisely, vacuums with fairly big suction motors produce high noise levels. Actually, vacuums with big and powerful motors are likely to produce a lot of noise.
Additionally, the size of the dust canister or bag plays a significant role in releasing high noise levels due to the acoustics. The bigger the dirt canister, the higher the noise level the vacuum is going to discharge. To keep noise at minimum, try to choose a small vacuum cleaner with a petite dirtbag or canister.
Final Verdict
If you live in a small apartment, you will have to get the best vacuum that will never stress you out. Cleaning floors, carpets, and other surfaces you walk on can be challenging if you lack proper tools. A heavy vacuum tends to take up a lot of precious apartment space, not to mention the fact that it is cumbersome to lift or carry up and down the staircases.
The best vacuum for small apartment has to be light, compact, efficient, and easy to store. All things considered, the Shark Rocket Pet Plus is hands down the best vacuum cleaner for small apartment. This petite but plucky machine is a lifesaver because it ticks all the boxes – including size, weight, power, features, effectiveness, etc.
The other vacuums we have shortlisted are also versatile for cleaning small apartments. Almost all of them are equipped with specialized features for dealing with stubborn messes like pet hair. Hopefully, this comprehensive and profound article will help you find the best vacuum for your small apartment. Good luck!