7 Best Electric Stick Vacuums to Buy in 2025

Game-changing intelligence meets relentless cleaning power in the Shark POWERDETECT Ultra-Light. This isn’t just another corded stick vacuum—it’s a sensor-driven cleaning machine that adapts in real time thanks to three smart detection systems: Floor Detect, PowerDetect, and Direction Detect. The DuoClean dual brushrolls—one soft roller, one bristle—tackle both fine dust and stubborn debris, while the self-cleaning brushroll eliminates hair wrap, a major pain point for pet owners. With an anti-allergen complete seal and true HEPA filtration, it traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, making it a top-tier choice for allergy sufferers.

In real-world testing, the POWERDETECT excels across surfaces. On hardwood, the soft roller glides silently while lifting fine dust, and on low-pile carpet, the bristle roll digs deep without snagging. The ultrasonic floor sensor instantly switches power modes when transitioning between surfaces, so you never need to manually adjust. We tested it on a mixed-floor home with pet hair, tracked-in dirt, and cereal spills—it handled everything without clogging or losing suction. However, its corded design limits range, and while lightweight at under 10 pounds, the cord management isn’t as smooth as some competitors.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the Shark HZ4002 doesn’t offer cordless freedom, but it delivers consistent, uninterrupted suction without battery fade. It’s also more advanced than the budget Amazon Basics model, trading simplicity for intelligent automation and superior allergen control. Ideal for households with pets, allergies, or mixed flooring, this vacuum is built for daily, no-fuss deep cleaning. It outperforms in filtration and adaptability, making it the best overall electric stick vacuum despite the lack of portability.

Pet hair doesn’t stand a chance against the Shark HV343AMZ Rocket, a nimble, pet-focused powerhouse built for homes battling fur tumbleweeds. Its self-cleaning brushroll actively prevents hair wrap, a standout feature that keeps performance consistent even after weeks of heavy use. At just under 8 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight, and the advanced swivel steering makes it a dream to pivot around furniture legs and under couches. Add LED headlights to reveal hidden debris, and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean—it hunts down messes.

During real-world use, we put it through pet-heavy zones: entryways with tracked-in dirt, living rooms with embedded fur, and car interiors. The powerful motor maintains strong suction on both hard floors and carpets, and the removable 0.68-quart dust cup is easy to empty with one hand. When switched to handheld mode with the push of a button, it becomes a go-anywhere tool for stairs, car seats, and upholstery. However, the cord length is only 15 feet, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes, and the dust cup fills quickly during whole-house cleans.

Against the AIRDIYA cordless model, the HV343AMZ wins on suction consistency and durability, thanks to its corded design. While it lacks the LEVOIT’s 50-minute runtime, it doesn’t suffer from battery degradation and offers instant, full-power cleaning. This vacuum is tailor-made for pet owners who need reliable, above-and-below-floor cleaning without the hassle of recharging. It’s not the most versatile in the lineup, but for targeted pet hair removal, it’s unmatched in its class.

Silent efficiency meets elite filtration in the LEVOIT LVAC-200, a cordless stick vacuum engineered for air quality without sacrificing performance. Its 5-stage filtration system captures 99.9% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it the best-in-class for homes with allergies or asthma. The tangle-resistant brushroll lives up to its promise, slicing through pet hair without jams, and the 30-minute runtime with the vacuum head (50 in eco mode) covers most apartments with ease. At just 5.5 pounds, it’s effortless to carry from room to room, and the 180° flat-lying design lets it glide under beds and sofas like a pro.

We tested it on hardwood, tile, and medium-pile rugs, and it consistently picked up flour, coffee grounds, and pet hair with minimal passes. The custom 2-in-1 pet tool is excellent for furniture, and the three LED lights on the head help spot dust in shadows. However, Turbo mode drains the battery in just 12 minutes, limiting its use for deep cleans, and the suction, while strong, isn’t on par with Shark’s corded models. It also lacks a self-standing feature, so you’ll need to lean it somewhere safe.

Next to the Shark HZ4002, the LEVOIT trades smart sensors and corded power for portability and superior filtration. It’s not as aggressive on deep carpet debris, but for daily maintenance and air-sensitive homes, it’s the better pick. Compared to the budget AIRDIYA, it offers longer runtime, better build quality, and a more refined filtration system. If clean air and hassle-free cleaning are your top priorities, the LVAC-200 delivers premium filtration in a lightweight, modern package.

Raw power on a budget defines the AIRDIYA cordless stick vacuum, a surprisingly capable performer for under $80. Its 40Kpa suction is among the highest in this category, effortlessly lifting pet hair, cat litter, and crumbs from hardwood and low-pile carpets. The 6-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.2 microns, outperforming even some pricier models. With a 35-minute runtime in standard mode and self-standing design, it’s built for quick, no-fuss cleanups across small to medium homes. The 2.8-pound handheld unit is featherlight, making overhead cleaning a breeze.

In testing, it excelled on hardwood and short carpets, but struggled slightly on thicker rugs due to limited brushroll agitation. The 8-in-1 tool set adds serious versatility—great for cars, curtains, and ceiling corners. However, the battery takes 4.5 hours to charge, and new units require 2–3 full cycles to reach peak performance. Also, while the sponge body reduces noise to 65dB, the motor can still feel strained when tackling dense debris.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the AIRDIYA offers stronger suction and lower cost, but falls short in build refinement and runtime consistency. Against the Amazon Basics model, it’s far more powerful and feature-rich, though less durable long-term. It’s the best budget cordless option for those who want high suction and multi-surface tools without breaking the bank. If you live in a small space and clean daily, this vacuum delivers serious bang for the buck.

Simple, affordable, and shockingly effective for spot cleaning, the Bissell Featherweight 2033 is the go-to for quick wipeups when you don’t need a full vacuum. Weighing just 4.4 pounds, it’s effortless to carry and store, and the 15-foot power cord gives decent reach for small spaces. The dual-action nozzle works well on both hard floors and surface-level carpet messes, and the crevice tool is perfect for car seats or between couch cushions. It’s ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or as a secondary vacuum.

In real use, it handles cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and light pet hair with ease, but struggles with embedded debris in carpet due to its lightweight design and lack of a powered brushroll. The 0.67-liter dust cup fills fast during larger jobs, and the suction is adequate but not powerful. It’s not meant for whole-home cleaning, but for 10-minute touch-ups, it’s hard to beat. The corded design means no charging, which is a plus for reliability.

Versus the Intercleaner or Amazon Basics models, the Bissell offers similar performance at a slightly higher price, but with a more polished design. It lacks the HEPA filtration of the Amazon Basics, but feels sturdier in hand. It’s the best budget-friendly option for those who prioritize lightweight convenience over deep cleaning power. If you only clean small areas occasionally, this vacuum is a no-brainer for under $30.

Maximum versatility on a micro budget—that’s the promise of the Intercleaner 12-in-1, and it delivers beyond expectations. With a 16.4-foot power cord, it covers large areas without outlet hopping, and the 12 included accessories transform it from floor cleaner to car detailer in seconds. The 15KPa suction from a 400W brushless motor is impressive at this price, and the 0.8L large dust cup means fewer trips to empty. At just 3 pounds (cord excluded), it’s incredibly easy to carry upstairs or use overhead.

We tested it on hardwood, tile, and short carpets, and it handled pet hair, crumbs, and dust with surprising efficiency. The 4-in-1 handheld brush works wonders on sofas and car interiors, and the one-button dust release keeps hands clean. However, the build quality feels plasticky, and the motor noise, while not loud, lacks the refinement of higher-end models. It’s also not designed for high-pile carpets, where it struggles to agitate deep debris.

Against the Amazon Basics, it offers more tools, stronger suction, and a larger dust cup, making it the better value despite a similar price. Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it’s more powerful and versatile, though less compact. It’s the best choice for multi-surface cleaning on a tight budget, especially for those who need a true all-in-one solution. For under $30, it punches way above its weight class in features and flexibility.

Reliability meets affordability in the Amazon Basics 2-in-1, a no-frills vacuum that gets the job done without fluff. At just 3.9 pounds, it’s featherlight and easy to maneuver, and the 19.7-foot power cord is the longest in the lineup—perfect for cleaning large areas without switching outlets. The washable HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and up, making it a solid pick for allergy-prone homes. With convertible handheld mode and a built-in crevice tool, it handles stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces with ease.

In testing, it performed well on hardwood and low-pile carpets, picking up dust, crumbs, and light pet hair. The 0.5L dust cup is compact, requiring frequent emptying during full-home cleans, and the suction is steady but not powerful, so it’s best for surface-level messes. It doesn’t deep-clean carpets like the Shark models, but for daily maintenance, it’s efficient. The self-standing design and cord wrap make storage simple, even in tight closets.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers better filtration and longer cord, at a slightly lower price. Against the Intercleaner, it has less capacity and fewer tools, but feels more durable. It’s the best value under $30 for those who want HEPA filtration, corded reliability, and a clean design. If you need a basic, trustworthy vacuum for light cleaning, this is the most balanced budget option available.