The 7 Best Lightweight Vacuums We Tested Include Cordless, Upright, and Canister Models Under 10 Lbs.

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

Pushing around a heavy vacuum can get tiring, especially if you have a large home or have to carry it up or down stairs. Your vacuum doesn’t have to be a burden, though — the best lightweight vacuums are less strenuous to operate yet deliver just as much cleaning power as their oversized counterparts.Experts Say“When you push and pull a vacuum, it places stress on your upper body and on your lower back because the weight of the machine is far away from your center of gravity and core.”—Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy and vice president of operations atGait HappensWe’ve tested more than 350 of thebest vacuum cleaners, and there are several standout options that weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easier to manage. We also spoke with a physical therapist about how to select cleaning tools if you have mobility limitations or conditions like arthritis. Keep scrolling to shop the best lightweight vacuums we recommend for your home.Our Top PicksDyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum at Walmart$500Jump to ReviewShark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewSALEShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$260$150Jump to ReviewSALEBissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$129$109Jump to ReviewBlack + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewKenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon$117Jump to Review

Pushing around a heavy vacuum can get tiring, especially if you have a large home or have to carry it up or down stairs. Your vacuum doesn’t have to be a burden, though — the best lightweight vacuums are less strenuous to operate yet deliver just as much cleaning power as their oversized counterparts.

Experts Say“When you push and pull a vacuum, it places stress on your upper body and on your lower back because the weight of the machine is far away from your center of gravity and core.”—Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy and vice president of operations atGait Happens

Experts Say

“When you push and pull a vacuum, it places stress on your upper body and on your lower back because the weight of the machine is far away from your center of gravity and core.”—Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy and vice president of operations atGait Happens

We’ve tested more than 350 of thebest vacuum cleaners, and there are several standout options that weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easier to manage. We also spoke with a physical therapist about how to select cleaning tools if you have mobility limitations or conditions like arthritis. Keep scrolling to shop the best lightweight vacuums we recommend for your home.

Our Top PicksDyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum at Walmart$500Jump to ReviewShark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewSALEShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$260$150Jump to ReviewSALEBissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$129$109Jump to ReviewBlack + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewKenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon$117Jump to Review

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum at Walmart$500Jump to ReviewShark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewSALEShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$260$150Jump to ReviewSALEBissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$129$109Jump to ReviewBlack + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to ReviewKenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon$117Jump to Review

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum at Walmart$500Jump to Review

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum at Walmart$500

Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon$130Jump to Review

Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum at Amazon$130

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350Jump to Review

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner at Amazon$350

SALEShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$260$150Jump to Review

SALEShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$260$150

SALE

SALEBissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$129$109Jump to Review

SALEBissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon$129$109

Black + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum at Amazon$100Jump to Review

Black + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum at Amazon$100

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon$117Jump to Review

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum at Amazon$117

Dyson V12 Detect Slim VacuumPHOTO: Walmart$500 at Walmart$650$500 at Dyson.comStar QualitiesEasy to carry around and operateLaser dirt detection works well on hard floorsImpressive runtime for a cordless modelRed FlagsStruggles with larger debrisSmaller dustbinAt just over 5 pounds, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the brand’s lightest cordless vacuum, yet it still delivers the cleaning power you’d expect from aDyson vacuum. We love how easy it is to carry around and maneuver across the floor, and it does a great job picking up most debris — the only area where it struggled a bit was large pieces ofdog kibble. This vacuum is particularly great if you have lots of hard floors, as its dirt detection laser lights up dust and pet hair, ensuring you don’t miss any spots.Another key feature of this Dyson model is its on/off power button, which is easier to operate than the brand’s classic trigger-style controls. It can run for up to an hour on its low suction setting, and its LCD screen has a count-down timer that lets you know exactly how much runtime is left.Type:Cordless stick |Weight:5.2 pounds |Dimensions:9.9 x 9.8 x 49.1 inches |Bin Volume:0.1 gallonsPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Dyson V12 Detect Slim VacuumPHOTO: Walmart$500 at Walmart$650$500 at Dyson.com

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum

PHOTO: Walmart

$500 at Walmart$650$500 at Dyson.com

Star QualitiesEasy to carry around and operateLaser dirt detection works well on hard floorsImpressive runtime for a cordless modelRed FlagsStruggles with larger debrisSmaller dustbin

Star QualitiesEasy to carry around and operateLaser dirt detection works well on hard floorsImpressive runtime for a cordless model

Easy to carry around and operate

Laser dirt detection works well on hard floors

Impressive runtime for a cordless model

Red FlagsStruggles with larger debrisSmaller dustbin

Struggles with larger debris

Smaller dustbin

At just over 5 pounds, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the brand’s lightest cordless vacuum, yet it still delivers the cleaning power you’d expect from aDyson vacuum. We love how easy it is to carry around and maneuver across the floor, and it does a great job picking up most debris — the only area where it struggled a bit was large pieces ofdog kibble. This vacuum is particularly great if you have lots of hard floors, as its dirt detection laser lights up dust and pet hair, ensuring you don’t miss any spots.

Another key feature of this Dyson model is its on/off power button, which is easier to operate than the brand’s classic trigger-style controls. It can run for up to an hour on its low suction setting, and its LCD screen has a count-down timer that lets you know exactly how much runtime is left.

Type:Cordless stick |Weight:5.2 pounds |Dimensions:9.9 x 9.8 x 49.1 inches |Bin Volume:0.1 gallons

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$130 at Amazon$160 at Wayfair$130 at Home DepotStar QualitiesLightweight for an upright vacuumSwivel steering makes it easy to maneuverEffective for picking up pet hairRed FlagsBattery only lasts for around 15 minutesUpright vacuumscan be quite hefty, but the Shark Navigator Freestyle weighs in at just 7.5 pounds. Despite its smaller-than-average size, we found that this cordless upright vacuum still does a great job picking up debris from both hard floors and carpeting, and it was particularly effective at cleaning up pet hair.In addition to being lightweight, thisShark vacuumhas swivel steering that makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles, and because it’s battery-powered, you can move from room to room without stopping to find an outlet. We were able to clean for around 15 minutes per charge, and the dustbin is quick and easy to empty when you’re finished.Type:Cordless upright |Weight:7.5 pounds |Dimensions:9.6 x 10.5 x 46 inches |Bin Volume:0.64 quartsPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekExperts Say“Lightweight vacuums are also good for people with smaller spaces, as you can make more passes in a smaller room with a more compact machine.” —Dr. McDowell

Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$130 at Amazon$160 at Wayfair$130 at Home Depot

Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$130 at Amazon$160 at Wayfair$130 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesLightweight for an upright vacuumSwivel steering makes it easy to maneuverEffective for picking up pet hairRed FlagsBattery only lasts for around 15 minutes

Star QualitiesLightweight for an upright vacuumSwivel steering makes it easy to maneuverEffective for picking up pet hair

Lightweight for an upright vacuum

Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver

Effective for picking up pet hair

Red FlagsBattery only lasts for around 15 minutes

Battery only lasts for around 15 minutes

Upright vacuumscan be quite hefty, but the Shark Navigator Freestyle weighs in at just 7.5 pounds. Despite its smaller-than-average size, we found that this cordless upright vacuum still does a great job picking up debris from both hard floors and carpeting, and it was particularly effective at cleaning up pet hair.

In addition to being lightweight, thisShark vacuumhas swivel steering that makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles, and because it’s battery-powered, you can move from room to room without stopping to find an outlet. We were able to clean for around 15 minutes per charge, and the dustbin is quick and easy to empty when you’re finished.

Type:Cordless upright |Weight:7.5 pounds |Dimensions:9.6 x 10.5 x 46 inches |Bin Volume:0.64 quarts

PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Experts Say“Lightweight vacuums are also good for people with smaller spaces, as you can make more passes in a smaller room with a more compact machine.” —Dr. McDowell

“Lightweight vacuums are also good for people with smaller spaces, as you can make more passes in a smaller room with a more compact machine.” —Dr. McDowell

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor CleanerPHOTO: Bissell$350 at AmazonStar QualitiesCleans up wet and dry messesLow maintenance thanks to self-cleaning functionSelf-propelled steering is easy to useRed FlagsFairly small dirty water tankStruggles with larger debrisWet-dry vacuumsare all the rage right now, and our favorite lightweight option is the Bissell TurboClean, which weighs just over 8 pounds. This unit vacuums and mops floors simultaneously using fresh water and cleaning solution, and we loved that its self-propelled design makes it nearly effortless to push. The TurboClean did a great job picking up both wet messes and dry debris, but it did struggle a bit with larger chunks of debris.You may need to empty this vacuum’s dirty water tank mid-clean, as it’s not the biggest, but we found that the unit was easy to maintain thanks to its self-cleaning feature. Plus, not only is it effective and easy to use, but this wet-dry vacuum is also well-priced, costing hundreds less than many other options.Type:Wet-dry vacuum |Weight:8.37 pounds |Dimensions:11 x 9.84 x4 5.27 inches |Bin Volume:17 ouncesPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor CleanerPHOTO: Bissell$350 at Amazon

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

PHOTO: Bissell

$350 at Amazon

Star QualitiesCleans up wet and dry messesLow maintenance thanks to self-cleaning functionSelf-propelled steering is easy to useRed FlagsFairly small dirty water tankStruggles with larger debris

Star QualitiesCleans up wet and dry messesLow maintenance thanks to self-cleaning functionSelf-propelled steering is easy to use

Cleans up wet and dry messes

Low maintenance thanks to self-cleaning function

Self-propelled steering is easy to use

Red FlagsFairly small dirty water tankStruggles with larger debris

Fairly small dirty water tank

Wet-dry vacuumsare all the rage right now, and our favorite lightweight option is the Bissell TurboClean, which weighs just over 8 pounds. This unit vacuums and mops floors simultaneously using fresh water and cleaning solution, and we loved that its self-propelled design makes it nearly effortless to push. The TurboClean did a great job picking up both wet messes and dry debris, but it did struggle a bit with larger chunks of debris.

You may need to empty this vacuum’s dirty water tank mid-clean, as it’s not the biggest, but we found that the unit was easy to maintain thanks to its self-cleaning feature. Plus, not only is it effective and easy to use, but this wet-dry vacuum is also well-priced, costing hundreds less than many other options.

Type:Wet-dry vacuum |Weight:8.37 pounds |Dimensions:11 x 9.84 x4 5.27 inches |Bin Volume:17 ounces

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Shark Pet Cordless Stick VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$260$150 at Amazon$180 at Wayfair$260$180 at Lowe’s

Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

$260$150 at Amazon$180 at Wayfair$260$180 at Lowe’s

Star QualitiesGood suction, even on lowest settingCleans for more than 25 minutes per chargeIncludes HEPA filterRed FlagsOccasionally gets stuck on the edge of rugsNo charging dock

Star QualitiesGood suction, even on lowest settingCleans for more than 25 minutes per chargeIncludes HEPA filter

Good suction, even on lowest setting

Cleans for more than 25 minutes per charge

Includes HEPA filter

Red FlagsOccasionally gets stuck on the edge of rugsNo charging dock

Occasionally gets stuck on the edge of rugs

No charging dock

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is another one of the best vacuums we’ve tested, and it weighs just under 7 pounds. Unlike manycordless vacuums, this model performed well even on its lowest setting — we never needed to increase the suction while picking up all sorts of debris. It also lasted for more than 25 minutes per charge, giving you plenty of time to clean all around your home.

Type:Cordless stick |Weight:6.89 pounds |Dimensions:10.24 x 7.09 x 46.09 inches |Bin Volume:0.34 quarts

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$129$109 at AmazonStar QualitiesSwivel head makes it easy to maneuverHair doesn’t tangle around brushrollFreestanding designRed FlagsShort runtime on high suctionIf you’re looking for anunder $200 vacuum, this Bissell fits the bill. True to its name, the Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum is quite compact, weighing just under 6 pounds, and unlike other cordless vacuums, it can stand upright on its own, which is convenient when you need to pause cleaning. During testing, we were impressed with its ability to pick up debris, and, if you’re looking for avacuum that works on pet hair, it did an especially good job removing it from carpeting without getting its brushroll all tangled up.Thanks to its lightweight design and swiveling head, the Featherweight is easy to drive around obstacles and even under furniture. You even have the option to turn off its brushroll, if desired. However, its runtime is shorter than most, maxing out at 20 minutes on its low suction setting, so it’s not an ideal pick for larger homes.Type:Cordless stick |Weight:5.8 pounds |Dimensions:10 x 6 x 44 inches |Bin Volume:0.45 litersPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$129$109 at Amazon

Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum

$129$109 at Amazon

Star QualitiesSwivel head makes it easy to maneuverHair doesn’t tangle around brushrollFreestanding designRed FlagsShort runtime on high suction

Star QualitiesSwivel head makes it easy to maneuverHair doesn’t tangle around brushrollFreestanding design

Swivel head makes it easy to maneuver

Hair doesn’t tangle around brushroll

Freestanding design

Red FlagsShort runtime on high suction

Short runtime on high suction

If you’re looking for anunder $200 vacuum, this Bissell fits the bill. True to its name, the Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum is quite compact, weighing just under 6 pounds, and unlike other cordless vacuums, it can stand upright on its own, which is convenient when you need to pause cleaning. During testing, we were impressed with its ability to pick up debris, and, if you’re looking for avacuum that works on pet hair, it did an especially good job removing it from carpeting without getting its brushroll all tangled up.

Thanks to its lightweight design and swiveling head, the Featherweight is easy to drive around obstacles and even under furniture. You even have the option to turn off its brushroll, if desired. However, its runtime is shorter than most, maxing out at 20 minutes on its low suction setting, so it’s not an ideal pick for larger homes.

Type:Cordless stick |Weight:5.8 pounds |Dimensions:10 x 6 x 44 inches |Bin Volume:0.45 liters

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Black + Decker Powerseries+ Stick VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$100$90 at Amazon$100$90 at Lowe’s$91 at Home DepotStar QualitiesPowerful suction for low priceBright headlights for more thorough cleaningStands upright on its ownRed FlagsLouder than other vacuumsShorter battery lifeIf you want a powerful vacuum at a low price, the Black and Decker Powerseries+ is one of the best cordless vacuums we’ve tested. At 8 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than other cordless models, but it delivers truly impressive suction that’s able to clean up all types of debris, including dirt, dust, grass, hair, and more. Its floorhead swivels easily to clean around furniture and other obstacles, and it has bright LED headlights that help illuminate debris that you might have missed.This model has a freestanding design, so you don’t have to lean it up against something when you stop cleaning, and its dustbin is easy to empty. However, it is louder than other cordless vacuums and only lasts for around 18 minutes on low suction. Still, it’s hard to beat the cleaning performance for such a low price.Type:Cordless stick |Weight:8.3 pounds |Dimensions:9.84 x 6.77 x 43.5 inches |Bin Volume:Not listedPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Jennifer MaldonadoPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Black + Decker Powerseries+ Stick VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$100$90 at Amazon$100$90 at Lowe’s$91 at Home Depot

Black + Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum

$100$90 at Amazon$100$90 at Lowe’s$91 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesPowerful suction for low priceBright headlights for more thorough cleaningStands upright on its ownRed FlagsLouder than other vacuumsShorter battery life

Star QualitiesPowerful suction for low priceBright headlights for more thorough cleaningStands upright on its own

Powerful suction for low price

Bright headlights for more thorough cleaning

Stands upright on its own

Red FlagsLouder than other vacuumsShorter battery life

Louder than other vacuums

Shorter battery life

If you want a powerful vacuum at a low price, the Black and Decker Powerseries+ is one of the best cordless vacuums we’ve tested. At 8 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than other cordless models, but it delivers truly impressive suction that’s able to clean up all types of debris, including dirt, dust, grass, hair, and more. Its floorhead swivels easily to clean around furniture and other obstacles, and it has bright LED headlights that help illuminate debris that you might have missed.

This model has a freestanding design, so you don’t have to lean it up against something when you stop cleaning, and its dustbin is easy to empty. However, it is louder than other cordless vacuums and only lasts for around 18 minutes on low suction. Still, it’s hard to beat the cleaning performance for such a low price.

Type:Cordless stick |Weight:8.3 pounds |Dimensions:9.84 x 6.77 x 43.5 inches |Bin Volume:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Jennifer MaldonadoPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$117$108 at AmazonView on Kenmorefloorcare.comStar QualitiesEffective across different types of flooringCanister rolls smoothly while cleaningOn-board accessory storageRed FlagsShort power cordHair gets tangled around brushrollThiscanister vacuumfrom Kenmore is a compact, lightweight option that’s effective across hard floors and carpeting alike, easily picking up debris like sand, dust, and raw pasta. It weighs less than 10 pounds, and in testing, we found that its canister rolls smoothly along behind you, even when it’s on carpeting. Plus, because you only have to push the vacuum’s wand, it’s not nearly as tiring to use as an upright vacuum.Unlike many canister vacuums, this model has a bagless design, meaning you won’t have to purchase replacement bags. You can wash out the canister as needed, and the vacuum’s accessories, which include a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet brush, can all be stored on board so they’re easy to access when needed.Type:Bagless canister |Weight:9.5 pounds |Dimensions:11.4 x 12.2 x 28.8 inches |Bin Volume:Not listedPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPro Tip!“People who could benefit from a lightweight vacuum include the older population who have mobility, endurance, and strength deficiencies, as well as people with physical impairments such as an injury or chronic pain.”—Dr. Devin Trachman, physical therapist and clinic director atPhysical Therapy Central

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister VacuumPHOTO: Amazon$117$108 at AmazonView on Kenmorefloorcare.com

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum

$117$108 at AmazonView on Kenmorefloorcare.com

Star QualitiesEffective across different types of flooringCanister rolls smoothly while cleaningOn-board accessory storageRed FlagsShort power cordHair gets tangled around brushroll

Star QualitiesEffective across different types of flooringCanister rolls smoothly while cleaningOn-board accessory storage

Effective across different types of flooring

Canister rolls smoothly while cleaning

On-board accessory storage

Red FlagsShort power cordHair gets tangled around brushroll

Short power cord

Hair gets tangled around brushroll

Thiscanister vacuumfrom Kenmore is a compact, lightweight option that’s effective across hard floors and carpeting alike, easily picking up debris like sand, dust, and raw pasta. It weighs less than 10 pounds, and in testing, we found that its canister rolls smoothly along behind you, even when it’s on carpeting. Plus, because you only have to push the vacuum’s wand, it’s not nearly as tiring to use as an upright vacuum.

Unlike many canister vacuums, this model has a bagless design, meaning you won’t have to purchase replacement bags. You can wash out the canister as needed, and the vacuum’s accessories, which include a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet brush, can all be stored on board so they’re easy to access when needed.

Type:Bagless canister |Weight:9.5 pounds |Dimensions:11.4 x 12.2 x 28.8 inches |Bin Volume:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Pro Tip!“People who could benefit from a lightweight vacuum include the older population who have mobility, endurance, and strength deficiencies, as well as people with physical impairments such as an injury or chronic pain.”—Dr. Devin Trachman, physical therapist and clinic director atPhysical Therapy Central

Pro Tip!

“People who could benefit from a lightweight vacuum include the older population who have mobility, endurance, and strength deficiencies, as well as people with physical impairments such as an injury or chronic pain.”—Dr. Devin Trachman, physical therapist and clinic director atPhysical Therapy Central

What to Know About Lightweight Vacuums

Vacuum Types

Several types of vacuums fall into the lightweight category, weighing less than 10 pounds:

Ergonomics

Weight isn’t the only factor that impacts how easy — or challenging — a vacuum is to use. An ergonomic design can help to reduce strain, even if the vacuum is slightly heavier. “Other things I tell my patients to consider when vacuum shopping include ergonomic design such as a handle that allows for neutral wrist placement, adjustable height options, and attachment pieces that can further promote good positioning to avoid excessive bending or reaching,” says Dr. Trachman.

Other features you may want to look for include a swiveling head, which makes vacuums easier to maneuver, or a self-propelled design that moves forward on its own.

Suction Power

A vacuum’s suction power also plays a role in its ease of operation, so look for a model with multiple suction settings, when possible. “Higher suction means you’ll take less passes to clean an area, but you’ll experience more force needed to move the vacuum,” explains Dr. McDowell.

If you’re struggling to push your vacuum, you may want to try lowering its suction power and making multiple passes to pick up debris.

Price Range

Lightweight vacuums can range in price from $100 to $600 or more. The most affordable option we recommend is theBlack and Decker Powerseries+ Stick Vacuum, which retails for less than $100, while our most premium pick is theDyson V12 Detect Slim, which is $650 at full price. However, there are plenty of options in between these two that will fit any budget.

We’ve done firsthand testing on more than 350 vacuums — yes, really — including models of all shapes and sizes. The PEOPLE Tested team has reviewed everything from classic upright vacuums tohigh-tech robot vacuums, and we parsed through all our testing results to find the top-performing vacuums under 10 pounds for this list. Here are some of the factors we look at while testing:

After testing, we score each vacuum on a scale of one to five in each category, and winners are selected based on an average of scores. All the vacuums featured in this article were top performers in their respective categories.

Camryn Rabideauis a writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her over six years of experience as a product tester, she’s reviewed dozens of vacuums firsthand, as well as many other cleaning products. Her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, and Homes & Gardens. While putting together this article, she reviewed testing insights from the PEOPLE Tested team, looking for vacuums under 10 pounds that are easy to carry and operate. She also spoke with two physical therapists for additional tips on selecting a lightweight vacuum to reduce strain while cleaning.

Our Expert PanelDr. Milica McDowellis a doctor of physical therapy and the vice president of operations atGait Happens.Dr. Devin Trachmanis a physical therapist and the clinic director atPhysical Therapy Centralin Oklahoma.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Milica McDowellis a doctor of physical therapy and the vice president of operations atGait Happens.Dr. Devin Trachmanis a physical therapist and the clinic director atPhysical Therapy Centralin Oklahoma.

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source: people.com